1) The past three days have been a constant hive of activity. So first, reports on the lab research. As of today, we've done 14 experiments and counting. On Monday, Dr. Griffith was in the Chemistry Lab with me and Judge (our Research Summer School Exchange Student from Soochow University, China). Together, we set up yet another reaction involving sodium, and this brought back memories of my Form 4 teacher demonstrating the reactivity of Group 1 metals with water (sodium is a Group 1 element).
2) Today we did a couple of analytical tests in the lab. This is the first time I've gone to the third floor of the RCSI building (which is where the MCT Labs are), in order to use the infrared spectrometer for IR spectroscopy. In addition to this, we sent some samples over to UCD for elemental analysis. We have some experiments running, so we'll see how it goes throughout the week. Another busy couple of days ahead for me...
3) Tonight Zi Yan and I attended the "TN50 Ireland Dialogue", a meeting where they get Malaysian students from all over Ireland to give their opinions (and critique) on the latest challenges that we face as we push forward to establish ourselves as a developed nation. I gave a admittedly long winded speech, where I highlighted certain points like a) the importance of English in today's society, b) the need for some sort standardisation of Pre-U programmes, c) how to present arguments in a diplomatic and tactful manner, d) instilling confidence in students to question their teachers, as well as the teachers themselves accepting critique or shortcomings if justified, among others.
4) All in all, it was a very fruitful talk, and we had the pleasure of hearing from H.E. Ambassador Siti Hajjar Adnin, Ambassador of Malaysia to Ireland, as well as Dr. Zainal Abidin Sanusi, Director of Education Malaysia UK & Eire. The event was moderated by Dr. Farrah-Hani Imran, Head of Plastic Surgery, Burn Unit & Wound Care UKM, and Youth Ambassador of TN50. It is rare in my opinion to find people of such different age groups, professions, and ethnicities congregating under one roof (the Malaysian Hall Dublin) for a discussion in the manner which we did. So I'm really grateful for the invitation (thanks Su Wei!)
5) It's getting really late here, plus I have work tomorrow. So on that note, I'll end my blog update here. Thanks very much for reading till the end, and have a great day. Cheers!
Group photo with everyone at the Malaysia Hall Dublin! ^^
Walking to the Malaysia Hall
Nasi lemak evokes good memories
Having dinner with newfound friends from UCD and TCD
The programme with a welcome speech from
H.E. Ambassador Siti Hajar Adnin, Ambassador of Malaysia to Ireland
Posing with Dr Farrah-Hani Imran,
whom many may remember was a superb rhythmic gymnast back in the day,
and who is now team manager of the Malaysian Gymnastics National Team :D
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