A surprising new start in Curtin

It was 5 months ago since the day I've moved back from KL. I was hoping to see new people and new surroundings. It was great. I am now parked under Mass Communication Department and I have learned a lot from a good HOD which is my mentor. Currently teaching something different from my old Uni but still somewhat related. It has been one semester and it was a hectic one indeed. I have no time to rest. Every week seems to be like a bullet passing through. Even on weekend I need to rush for the next teaching week. There are no rest. Almost everyday I woke up early at 3am just to prepare more for the class. If I was as hardworking as now, I would be graduating with 'Gold 1st class Hons.' already. But then again, the new subjects that I'm doing now is somewhat challenging. Introduction to Visual Culture, Introduction to Media Communication Studies and the most challenging one is Research and Research Presentation which is really a full blown research writing paper class. I can't imagine myself teaching students how to write a strong research thesis. APA Referencing, annotated bibliography writing, Argumentative research paper. Wow... sounds like world of 'English' related subject. I have to equip myself with 100 something books to read! Yeah... it's not a mistype, it is hundreds of referencing books for all the subjects. Everyday is rushing for the next day. Everything seems to be new.

Man, there are a lots of differences here and I personally felt culture shock when I got back. Culturally, Politically & Socially, the students has shift to a different dimension which I can't actually reach out to. I am still unable to settle down in my hometown. I still need some time to adjust.

Well, apart from all the stuff that I have gone through, there are certain issue about the system (University itself) that I may feel uneasy. (still can't put my finger on it yet).

The good news is that the department was doing well, we were interviewed by the local newspaper (United Post) and very well written article was presented. (full page)

Check it out. I still don't have the time to translate it but overall, it says "Quality education and qualify lecturers from this department".

 

A new start for political blogging in CSM Miri

My department has organized a workshop on political blogging and invited two good speakers (Sean Ang & Rachel Chan) for the event. It was an overwhelming event with few local politician enrolled. I myself, as usual running around doing some last minute touch up with my other colleague and hope that everything is going smooth. It went well even though there was only 3 person behind the scene.

Here are some of my designs for the event.

Sign / direction indicator

And Nametags for the event.

Some local news coverage of the workshop. (The event as also broadcast in local television 5 PM RTM News on 6 June 2008 )

The overall event did made me realized that we need more man power. I will throw in bigger and better ideas to expand and maybe do some re-branding of the department.