My first time facilitating National Conference

Last month, I received an invitation from Seanz the Chairman on Miracle Youth Conference 2006. I was glad to be given such an opportunity however I have declined the invitation as I was worried that I may not be able to deliver. Luckily that I have finally changed my mind. Now I know that I was wrong.

For the past week in Miracle Youth Conference, in those sleepless nights and demanding days, I have learned and experienced a lot. Though this wasn't the first time I facilitated but I was really challenging to facilitate in a national conference filled with the youth atmosphere. Much preparation work was done way before the conference.

Checked in to the hostel, KTP on the afternoon of 4th June 2006. My brain was filled with anxious. I was prepared for the blast and to greet all my delegates. Final discussion occupied us till late night.

The 1st day of MYC '06, we the Faci team presented the cool gimmick, with the theme....Matrix. It was impressive and kicked start the conference.

I was placed to facilitate the small group of 13 with Rached. We enjoyed the company of all our teammates. They were all energetic youths and with brilliant ideas. They have presented a very cool nightgown in the Runway project together with group 3. Thanks to our pretty model, Naina. Though our team has not won in this competition but I am convinced that they have learned a lot from the sessions that we have prepared for them.

The United Nations General Assembly, UNGA has managed to encourage the youth to think maturely. Among the issues discussed were Air pollution, Kyoto Protocol, and etc.

The Miracle University slots were very beneficial for youths today. On my 1st block with the delegates in the Formal Writing Session, many were still uncertain on the suitable writing language that must be used in writing. Writing could be so interesting if the correct language or words used at the suitable place and time. However we the facis team enjoyed to share our knowledge and experience with our delegates.

Then in the 2nd block where we discussed on the current 5R issues, we realized that many youths were able to think out of the box. Many has the idea what those issues like, Garbage disposal, Water pollution, alternative power and etc means but it was very shallow. It was enough to only answer simple an essay question in their examinations. Those answers given were fed by teachers in class. Well in my class of Alternative Energy, I have only got very common response such as x and Y energy is better cost it is reusable and it is cheap. There were so many factors that led to why these resources were used but not the others but our education system are only able to breed youth that think very rigidly.

Well in the 3rd block of Miracle University, I was placed to teach Japanese language with Momoko. I was impressed with the Japanese perfectionist spirit. She did much of her preparation work and tried her very best in delivering her mother tongue language though she may lost her words at time.

Finally in the 4th block, it was the Do it YOURSELF block. I think that this is the most not beneficial session as we have not managed to deliver our objective that is to breed a community that are 5R conscious. Our delegates have managed to produce many products such as poster, origami, file, bookmarks and many more. They were good but I realized that at the end of the session, the delegates were not able to implement those in their daily activities.

In the Bafa-Bafa session, I have been assigned to facilitate a group to present their culture that is politeness. It was an enjoyable session. Though my fellow team was puzzled with what they have seen, some Barbaric and lazy people's culture. Through this game, the delegates got to understand the importance of understanding others culture.

I enjoyed all the sessions and of course no to forget all those square dances that we have put up. haha...One who used to be so static can now dance...well this is the AIESEC culture that we have portray to the youth. We work very hard in the day and play even harder at night. Bravo AIESEC! Not to forget our best DJ, VJ....Raja. He is such a cool DJ! And not to forget our Sexy boy, Gan. Thank you for all the cool and interesting parties and to our intelligent kayu Soo Soo, thank you for putting so many beneficial ideas and being so supportive.

As a whole this Conference is a blast to me. Not only that I have gained experience facilitating, but I have learned from those sisters and brothers of mine. They were energetic and creative. And of course I made new friends and got closer to some AIESECers. Now i see the logic of why those that have attended or facilitated conference together tend to go crazy when they are placed together again.

Finally I wish to thank all parties that made this youth Conference a success. Thank you to AIESEC UPM, the faci team, international interns, OC and of courses our delegates. Thank you!

Last note to all Malaysian youth,

It is time for you to grow. Stop depending on lecturers or teachers. Think out of the boxes. This is the time where you will need to source and shape your thought!