Thank You!

Today I'm deeply touched that Design students and lecturers specially arranged a farewell lunch for me on my last day in KDU. I need to thank Julius, Jason, Ellison and Nee Nee for saying all those nice and touching words about me. Before I came into the room, I already have in mind of what to say to all of you but due to the 'LIVE' situation and also overwhelmed by the presence of so many students, I may have missed out something which I wanted to say. I hereby include in this post the complete speech:

"When I joined KDU College in 2005, our department office was located on the 2nd floor next to iMac Lab. The fourth floor then was just a huge empty corridor with only dry and wet studio. There was no gallery during that time. Today, this once empty corridor has transformed into a creative space for you to freely experiment your ideas and express yourselves through your design. In terms of student population, I only have one student in my first class which was History of Architecture I. I found myself lecturing throughout the class most of the time as there was no way to have group discussion. Today, our school has more than 100 students who will be the great designers of the future.

Throughout my career, I enjoy myself the most while I was here at KDU College. I still remember that when I first apply for a position at KDU, I mentioned in my cover letter that teaching is about creating a mutual learning environment not only for the students to gain knowledge but also for the lecturer to learn from that experience as well. True enough, I’ve learned a lot from you, my students. I envy the kind of energy and excitement that you possess which I wish I had when I was your age. You guys make the working environment here so much more interesting compare to the dull corporate world outside. Personally, I hope that my work here has benefitted at least a few of you in this group in one way or another. By winning so many competitions since 2006, you all have proven your ability to achieve your goals. Although you are the new kid on the block, you have managed to beat other rival schools such as Equator and even USM. The secret recipe here is belief. You have proven that with strong conviction and belief, you can possibly beat anybody. I can see that most of you enjoy your studies here at KDU. You will soon realize that all those deadlines and sleepless nights become your sweet memories next time. You will remember the fun of having group projects at your peers’ house. Those people you hate whenever they copied your design or slacking off in group projects, you will one day remember them as well and with a smile, not with hatred. All the struggles you encounter here will become unforgettable memories. You will also realize that most of your true friends are actually those you met at college.

I’m also fortunate to work with a group of brilliant people here in KDU. Without them, the department can’t possibly be developed into its current status. I’m talking about your lecturers. Trust me, they are the most hard working lecturers you can ever find. All of them have passion in art and design. They have tried all sorts of ways to deliver lectures and share their experience with you in the most effective way. I would like to share with you one secret. If you want to learn more so that it worth the fees you paid here at KDU, keep approaching your lecturers. The more you ask the more you learn. And I’m sure they all have been waiting for you eagerly to disturb them as much as you can. But better to make appointment first la.

I’m glad to also announce that Shirley has been promoted to be the Program Leader of the department. I’m sure she will lead the department to greater heights. Finally, I’m sure that all of you have gotten valuable education as well as friendship here in KDU. Some of you will go on becoming great designers in your own field. As for me, I’ll be leaving this wonderful island for job opportunities elsewhere. However, do keep in touch and feel free to discuss with me anything especially those related to design.

Thank you and wish you all the best!"

At 5:30pm today, I switched off the light and closed the door of my office for the last time. It is interesting to realise that how these mundane tasks which I do everyday become so significant. I decided to take pictures of these special moments...........

One Great Team

Tomorrow will be my last day at KDU College. It was an adventurous journey working in the Design School. Starting with just 3 students, our school has grown to more than 100 students today. I'm happy to work with all of you throughout these trying times. You all have talent in specific field and I'm sure the students will gain lots of valuable knowledge from you.

I like this picture very much. It tells a lot about the working culture in our department. I leave it to you to interpret that culture. ;)

I'm not sure whether the above gathering of everyone is still possible in the future and hence would like to wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Seberang Prai City Shopping Center

A new shopping center has opened its door to the public at Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam. Went there over the recent long weekend and was impressed by its size and quality of finishes. The interior is as classy as Gurney Plaza just that it is even more spacious! The facade of the building as shown in first image is impressive! It gives prominent character to the building. How I wish shopping centers on the island side have face like this! In terms of quality of its architecture and spatial treatment, I can safely say that it is the best in Seberang Prai.

Unbuilt Works II

I've selected a few of my favourite projects which I've designed a few years ago but unfortunately were never built for some reasons. Looking back at these proposals, I do see several areas where I could still improve on. Our sensibilities towards aesthetics will change as we become more exposed. It is important to be critical of our own design. We must be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our proposal even before the client notices them. Be humble and learn from others.

BBQ @ Kai Shyuan's House

Terry quietly enjoying his food.....

Romantic couple.........

Feeling tired?
Fooling around at the huge compound in front of Kai Shyuan's house



What a feast!!

Thank you all!

Dinner + Movie

Last Friday a dinner was organized by a group of great designers. We went to Manila Place right after work. Thank you all, I really appreciate it!

The picture above shows the 'dream team' of good design lecturers in town. All of us have contributed one way or another towards the establishment of the design school in KDU College. We've also educated our students with passion and dedication hoping that one day they will excel in the interesting industry that they chose to be in.

To be a design lecturer in a conservative society such as in Penang is not an easy task. We found ourselves constantly countering the negative perception people have towards this industry. We've to convince a lot of people on the relevance and importance of design. Such a daunting task cannot be possibly achieved without conviction and strong passion.

Looking at the bright side, I'm sure we all enjoy what we are doing because design is so much fun! Keep it up!

FINALLY, My First Student Has Graduated!!!

Yesterday I attended the graduation ceremony at Gurney Hotel for the last time. It was a significant day not because it was my last time, but it was the fact that the first student I taught at KDU College has finally graduated! She was not only my first student, but the ONLY student I have when I start teaching in KDU! I still remember the first subject I taught was History of Architecture I. That time the school of design has just been established and there was not a single book available for the subject I was about to teach. I took the initiative to choose and buy a very thick book which has since becomes the key text for both History of Architecture I and II subjects.

Teaching only one student was no joke at all. Forget about group discussion. It was lectures most of the time. By the way, did I mention that Uchi was also very fat last time...Maybe because of that, she was quite slow and sleepy most of the time. Anyway, it was really an experience for me because I did learn a lot during those challenging times, not to mention brushing up my history of architecture. With her graduation, my career at KDU has come to a full circle (not sure whether this is the correct description or not). I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to teach a group of very talented students such as Uchi, Kai Shyuan, Yi-Wen, Eilis, Nerissa, Dolly, Mursyida and Adel. Did I miss out anyone? I hope that I've imparted useful knowledge to all of them and may success be with them in the future.

My Last KDU Ball

I've been waiting for this day 23rd Aug as it will be the last time I attend KDU Ball. All the heads were actually instructed to perform on stage singing the college theme song. I insisted that I just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the show for the last time. I hope the principal is not too unhappy about this, but then again who cares! The food is good, better than at Gurney Hotel last year. Managed to snap quite a few photos with students and colleagues to add into my sweet memories. Gonna miss all of you.............

Unbuilt Works

For those of you who take design as a career will know or will soon find out that it is a long journey that you have decided to take. You find yourself doing a lot of proposals but only a handful that will eventually be built. Such is the thrill and despair of the design process. The only way to sustain your endeavor is through passion and the desire to create a better living environment. The 3 images shown here are my initial proposal for the KDU's Walk Of Fame or commonly known as the 'tunnel' area at ground floor where the new curve white wall is located. This original proposal cost too much (about 5 to 6 times higher to be exact) and the management asked me to come up with a revised design. The 2 curve white walls that is there right now is the result of the cost cutting measure. Although never got built, the 3 images up here represent the unborn creation that will unfortunately remain forever in my imagination.