Articles
Lets Have Tea 28 September 2012
FOR me, a “yum cha” (which literally translates to “drink tea” in Cantonese) session is usually just a meet up in a “mamak” restaurant, chatting with friends, swinging our legs carefreely and laughing over stupid matters.
This is the time when most young people catch up on each other’s lives, gossip, share common interests, debate, give advice, get advice and sometimes even engage in serious political discussions.
In other words, yum cha session could simply be described as “just chilling”.
In other words, yum cha session could simply be described as “just chilling”.
Many parents often think that yum cha sessions are unnecessary – a waste of our time and money. Their minds are often full with questions such as “Who are you going out with?”, “Why do you come home so late?”, ”Why waste money?”, “Why do you hang out with people who smoke?”, “Why do you smell like smoke?”.
I don’t think that we waste too much money during yum cha because having a few local drinks (teh tarik, iced Milo or Kopi-O) won’t amount to more than RM6, and even if the bill does get higher, we usually split the cost among ourselves.
This is also the time when we make new friends, build a network of contacts which could possibly help us snag a job or even buy a house. You’ll never know.
If parents are still worried about their teenage kids hanging out with their friends, what they could do is enforce tighter curfews (like at 2am) and frequently call to check up on us. On the other hand, we could also play our part and make life easier for them by updating our current locations when we’re out with friends.
I know of some strict parents who cut their children’s allowances simply for coming home late but that may only raise conflicts in the family.
Honestly, I believe that parents should be open-minded when it comes to letting their teenagers socialise and let them learn from their mistakes.
I usually have about three to four yum cha sessions with my buddies be it old friends, classmates, best friends or just some of my girlfrinds for some “girl talk”.
The best yum cha session is of course with my best friends because they are the ones closest to me and we could stay up all night just chilling and laughing at each other’s jokes.
However, I do sometimes feel annoyed when my parents call me when it gets too late, and I was just in the middle of having so much fun.
My parents would be like, “Come home now!” and I’d have to excuse myself from my friends and the fun ends just like that.
That’s why I now remember to tell my parents if I’ll be getting home later than when I told them, and sometimes would even text them when I’m out.
In conclusion, I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with yum cha sessions because it is the only time where we could meet up after a long day at work or college.
So to all the teenagers out there, parents will call you when you’re hanging out with your friends – and that’s for a reason; they care about you.
Just tell them who you’re with and where you’re going and when you are out on a yum cha session, remember to be cautious and most of all have fun.
Leaving An Impact
By TAN JEN LI, LEE JIA JENE and TAM XUEH WEI
Photos by TAN JEN LI
Photos by TAN JEN LI
brats@thestar.com.my
After their successful run last year, the United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) hosted their second [i]MPACT event at Publika in Solaris Dutamas, KL last weekend.
The movement was back to once again inspire youths with a line-up of influential speakers from various fields, ranging from education to entrepreneurship and even arts. Here are some of the highlights from the event.
Bringing change
Kelvin Lim, founder of Change Your World, took to the stage to tackle the issue of modern day slavery – the main focus of his organisation that aims to ignite change through creative means with the help of the youth.
“Share your blessing with someone else because someone else’s life could be more challenging than yours,” he said.
Also enthusiastic about making a difference in the world, and inspiring others to do the same, was Leaderonomics Campus head Andrew Lau. His talk, Leadership Through 4 P’s (Plan, Passion, Production and Perfection) encourages youths to act on their dreams. “You need that risk-taking factor in you,” urged Lau.
Volunteerism is important
Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam (PERTIWI) chairwoman Munirah Abdul Hamid had an inspiring story to share as well. As someone who has helped feed less privileged folks since she was five, Munirah now oversees the distribution of food to homeless people – regardless of their race or religion – under the PERTIWI Soup programme.
Also sharing his story was Teach For The Needs (TFTN) executive director Anas Alam Faizli, who wants to give back to society.
He said that the TFTN organisation focuses on these visions – providing education for the less fortunate, encouraging more youths to be a part of something meaningful and challenging the stereotype that less privileged students have less potential than others.
Finding your way in life
Kartini Ariffin, the host of 3R (Respek, Relaks & Respon) quit her job in accounting and stumbled into show business by luck.
She is currently active as an emcee for events and has acted in local television series and movies and been a part of several good causes while in the industry. Kartini shared that by following her own path, she has managed to help advocate women empowerment besides other important issues.
Another individual who found her own way in life is Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, who though initially reluctant to join the medical force like the rest of her family, eventually found her calling in the same field.
The Royal College of Surgeons graduate came to the realisation that many people needed help and she could be there for them. She eventually became the National Cancer Society Malaysia medical director and believes that, “Cancer is not a death sentence; you can do something about it.”
Creating awareness
The Tree Theatre Group youth co-ordinator Jes Ibrahim Izaidin Jes Izman believes in creating awareness on important social issues among the community. Jes, who was the youngest speaker at the event, spoke about his involvement in environmental projects at the age of nine. He has even written several songs such as Tears Of Trees, which was selected to be one of the official songs for United Nations’ Billion Tree Campaign.
“We always try to stand out as Malaysians and participate elsewhere, but we don’t notice what’s happening in our backyard,” said the active member of the United Nations Youth Board. He also urged the youths to be more aware of pertinent local issues.
more pics n info here impact
“We always try to stand out as Malaysians and participate elsewhere, but we don’t notice what’s happening in our backyard,” said the active member of the United Nations Youth Board. He also urged the youths to be more aware of pertinent local issues.
more pics n info here impact
Interviewed Dia Frampton 12th January 2012 and edited the video together with my partner who did the voice over
for more info here Dia
Jason Chen and Clara c was a press conference and we edited the video for the fans!
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more pics and info here Jason and Clara
