Award-winning non-profit organisation, Malaysian Humanitarian Foundation (“MHF”) is working closely with Malaysia’s leading educational non-profit organisation, Teach for Malaysia (“TFM”) in identifying students from B40 households to offer scholarships to attend SuperCamp. 

For the December edition which ran from 18 to 22 December 2023 at Paradise Valley Broga Resort, Semenyih, Selangor, seven (7) students from several schools within Klang Valley were shortlisted by TFM to attend SuperCamp. 

“We work on a system to extend opportunities like this to students from the underserved communities. Not having the resources to attend programmes like this should not hinder you from unlocking your full potential and achieving greatness in the future. We hope that from 2024 onwards, we can extend the scholarships to at least 50 students annually,” Henry Teh Kok Kheng, Executive Director of MHF (郑国庆) says. 

Empowering the future leaders of Malaysia

Vassenthen A/L Devendren, 16, was filled with excitement to be selected for SuperCamp. The SMK (L) Methodist Sentul student candidly shares that his self-esteem took a hit during the transition from a Tamil school to a national school after his UPSR, which left him dissatisfied with the result. He also feels less confident due to his larger physical build.

Photo Caption: Vassenthen wants to make his mother, Mogana Sunthari proud by doing well at school.

“I was disappointed to receive my UPSR result and decided to make a change. I started following a strict regime where I only allowed minimal time to rest and spend time with my family. Being the eldest in my family also means that I have the big brother role to play,” he says. He also continues to study Tamil subjects to honour his Indian heritage as he aspires to excel in his mother tongue, while improving his proficiency in English and Bahasa Melayu. 

His mother, Mogana Sunthari A/P Govindan, 41 is also surprised to see how much time Vassenthen spends in his room studying. “Everyday, after school he retreats to his room to study. Sometimes, he only texts or calls me on the phone when he wants to eat. I can see that he is driven to be successful in the future, so I’ll continue to support him,” she says. “Interestingly, though, he doesn't aspire to become a doctor! He mentioned that the COVID-19 experience has truly scared him!”

Another scholar from SMK Seksyen 27, Shah Alam, Maizatulakma Lisa Aqilah Abdullah, is a big fan of Korean culture, particularly the food and fashion. Despite her passion for entertainment, she strongly believes that her peers should set their priorities right from such a young age.

“I know a lot of students my age want to be content creators and influencers, but I honestly hope to be a teacher one day. So, I’ll work hard towards this goal, acknowledging that I can be a bit lazy at times. However, after attending SuperCamp, I really found motivation to do better,” says the 15-year old student. 

“Yes, she can be lazy sometimes,” laughs Maizatulakma’s mother, Zaidatulnisa binti Salleh, 39. “But she’s really a good girl. She’s the eldest in the family and takes care of her younger siblings. She makes sure that all her homework is completed before coming home. She is also actively working for an NGO on the side, something that she picks up from me. I too am actively working for several NGOs that empower children from the B40 group with education around our neighborhood.”. 

Zaidatulnisa also hopes that the Malaysian education system will bring back examinations for the students. “I see examinations as a way to motivate students to apply what they have learnt at school. Examinations provide a quantifiable and measurable method for parents to assess their children's progress at school. It's not about making comparisons of whose child is better or smarter.”

Zuraida Zulkifli, 48, is a proud mother to Daliya Safeera Ramli, 15, a student at SMK Shah Alam, Bukit Jelutong. “She is very quiet at home and likes to keep to herself. She only approaches us when she needs help. She is different from her older sister who was a prefect and active at school. Her sister also attended a boarding school,” says the full-time housewife. 

“I don’t really want to attend boarding school like my sister,” Daliya laughs. “I’m actually an introvert and I’m afraid to make mistakes, especially when speaking in front of the crowd. Even when studying, I rely on the Internet and Youtube videos when I hit a wall. It’s not always a bad thing as it allows students like me to learn at our own pace. Now that I have attended Supercamp, I feel more confident, especially in overcoming my fear of public speaking, and I am excited to share my opinions on various issues”.

_{Photo Caption: (L-R) Zuraida Zulkifli with her daughter, Daliya Safeera Ramli and Tuan Saripah Nor Riha Tuan Jaafar from SMK Shah Alam, Bukit Jelutong.}

Senior Assistant Administrator from Daliya’s school, Tuan Saripah Nor Riha Tuan Jaafar is extremely proud that one of her students was selected to receive a full scholarship to attend SuperCamp. “When TFM reached out to us to share the information about SuperCamp, we submitted 8 applications and were so delighted to know that despite the limited vacancies, Daliya made it through,” she says. “Daliya is a very dedicated student who attended all meetings set by TFM prior to her selection. I hope that she will return to our school and share everything she has learned here with her friends. We look forward to seeing more of our students attending SuperCamp in the future”.

SuperCamp is a global education brand that believes that children who are equipped with ‘the 8 Keys of Excellence’, a  foundation based on the Burklyn Business School; can transform themselves to become self-motivated learners. The 8 Keys of Excellence entail:

Meanwhile, TFM is an independent, not-for-profit organisation on a mission to give all children the opportunity to realise their potential through quality education. This education champion has been partnering with the Ministry of Education in Malaysia to reach high-need public schools. At the same time, TFM is one of the 61 partners of the prestigious global education network, Teach for All. TFM received recognition in 2022 for the Education & Community Category at the Merdeka Award established by PETRONAS, ExxonMobil and Shell in 2007.

Yes! You heard that right. Durex is schooling youth on the ins and outs of intimacy and staying safe to address the rise in sexual activity.

With the rise in sexual activity amongst youths in Malaysia, Durex, the world’s #1 sexual well-being brand, is taking bold steps in providing a safe platform where young Malaysians can learn and find the right information and facts about sexual health at the first ever Durex Academy.

Based on the survey conducted in 2022, the average age of Gen Z’s first intercourse experience is between 15 and 22 years old. 1 in 3 believe that sex shown in pornography is normal sex and alarmingly, 31% did not know that a woman could get pregnant the first time she engages in sex. Almost 40% believe the myth that STIs are only transmitted through penetrative sex and more than 1 out of 5 youth have sexted* before (*sent a provocative text or lewd photo). These findings initiated the Durex #COMETOGETHER campaign which focused on helping young Malaysians speak out and learn about sex through an enjoyable, safe and reliable platform and drive conversations around the subject matter without fear or stigma.

The Durex Academy, which is an extension of the #COMETOGETHER initiative, now takes that same objective to the next level. Aimed at cultivating safe and healthy intimate practices, encouraging more open conversations around sex and destigmatising myths and taboos surrounding sexuality education, Durex Academy is a continuous effort to address the survey findings by breaking it down into learning modules covering three main syllabuses. 

Kicking-off with Ms. Puiyi earlier in the month, the campaign will feature an online semester covering three main syllabus which are Let’s Warm Up, #ComeTogether Prepared and Sexy Facts 101. Each syllabus has been designed to address misconceptions and educate young Malaysians on accurate and enlightening information about sex, health and pleasurable safety. The segments will cover topics such as consent and bodily autonomy; sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention; and communication and relationship skills. Making it even more interactive are the Masterclass video sessions conducted by Durex Academy lecturers Daphne Iking, Alex Chee and Alvy Joanna.

As an added bonus, students of Durex Academy will also receive a personalised e-certificate and a mystery gift once they have completed the S-Level exams online, and be empowered with better knowledge, understanding, and the confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and overall well-being.

“We recognise that there is a genuine need to equip Malaysian youth with the right information about sex. Sex education is the compass that empowers individuals to navigate the complex terrain of relationships, intimacy, and personal well-being. It illuminates the path towards informed choices, consent, and responsible decision-making, fostering a society where knowledge conquers ignorance and respect triumphs over fear,” commented Jerome Goh (Marketing Manager, Durex Malaysia)

The Durex Academy will also be running on-ground workshops in colleges and universities in the Klang Valley in collaboration with SPOT Malaysia, a comprehensive sexuality education provider whose vision is to help young people become confident and resilient in making informed decisions for their well-being.

To launch the initiative, Durex Academy hosted an Open Day which featured interactive educational exhibits, introductions of the ‘online lecturers’ and a panel discussion with certified sexologist, Andrea Koh and SPOT Malaysia founder, Siti Aishah. The constructive dialogue touched on real-life issues that youths struggle with, barriers that are preventing progress around this topic and the evolving sexual trends of today.

“Sex education is a powerful tool. It dismantles ignorance, dispels myths, and fosters a culture of consent, respect, and healthy sexual expression. By embracing comprehensive sex education, we pave the way for a future where individuals are equipped to navigate their own sexual journey with wisdom, compassion, and the freedom to embrace their authentic selves,” added Goh.

Durex has been committed in supporting more knowledgeable reproductive healthcare and raising awareness of protection worldwide through the establishment of effective sexual health initiatives. The Durex Academy is part of that commitment and aims to increase young people's knowledge and improve their attitudes related to sexual and reproductive health and behaviours.

For more info visit Durex Malaysia at

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 As a mother in today's digital era. Many will wonder what is the current change in education. And for me I feel personally that education is important but traditional methods of education may not be the only solution anymore for our children. That's why today's post I want to share about 51Talk that is the largest online education brand that houses many services and education excellence under one roof. In my search for my son, I also found out that this is the Top 3 English Learning platform in Malaysia.

Why I find this online English learning brand 51Talk reputable is due to these 6 reasons why a parent will choose 51Talk for their children's education in mastering the English language efficiently.

51Talk provides children with an "immersive" English learning environment, so that children have sufficient opportunities to speak. Children learn to think in English. Also with this 1-on-1 English Learning platform, it will allow the tutor to help the child identify where are his/her weakness and strengths, which will then be able to assist in the child to improvise on areas where they are weak at. 100% focus and attention is placed on your child with this type of learning module, without making your child feel left out.

After strict screening and training, 51Talk have selected more than 30,000 5A good foreign teachers who "love children and understand education". There's actually many reputable and notable teachers that is attached with 51Talk that allows for a quality education that your child will receive.

Professional English courses

Based on the AISU, an international teaching and research team, created professional teaching materials: CEFR, which are in line with international standards. So rest assured that this isn't some online English class that recently started during the pandemic to take advantage of the digital era trend. It is an established establishment that has been founded in 2011 and in 2016 it is officially listed in the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) the very first online English education company to go public listed and covers more than 72 countries and regions worldwide.

Fun classroom interaction

51Talk's class platform provides rich and interesting interactive forms and instant reward feedback for the classroom. Meeting the needs of users to to take lessons anytime from around the world. They cater to young users from age 4 to 15 yrs all over the globe. Who said online education learning can't be fun?!

Build interest in learning

Language learning requires a lot of speaking practice. Through high-frequency learning, students have more opportunities to interact with foreign teachers. And this teaching mode module is through real foreign teachers participating in the classes to engage with the students in the 1v1 class.

High quality at a low price

51Talk hopes that every child has the ability to talk to the world, so we provide high-quality course services at affordable prices. 

One of the product advantages that I like about 51Talk is the Self-developed teaching system, after 6 years of independent research and development of Air Class classrooms, 51Talk has provided the first interactive teaching software for students around the world. Also, 51Talk tailors the core course "Classic English Youth Edition" for young people around the world, allowing children to truly achieve from language learning to language use.

51Talk sets the foundation of English language and cultivate communication skills. It is based on a strategized systematic design to help your child cultivate interest in learning English. Following the laws of cognitive development of your child paired with rich and interesting screen content. 51Talk's online English courses is based on 1v1 pure foreign teacher teaching your child all they need to learn and cultivate in English. And every class is set at 25 minutes each time.

You can find out more about 51Talk here or you can also sign up for a free trial and experience it for yourself with your child. Am sure you will enjoy the session as much as my son enjoys it too!

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If you or you know someone who is a smoker, then I am sure this article can help you or your loved one. Because today I wanted to bring this topic into awareness; the "Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR)" and what are some of the things that we should know of and also the less harmful alternatives that smokers can look into.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

I used to be a smoker before when I was in my teenager years on-going to entering the big big world of adulthood and work-life. I was basically curious why people smoke and it got me intrigued to try it out. I will say influence plays a huge role here and that is why I am here to influence you to reduce or quit smoking altogether. Because I was only a social smoker, I smoke just to fit in to the crowd, I smoke to fit in with the group or mix with certain groups. I even had to smoke just to bond and communicate with some of my teammates that I was managing. And it was not something that I enjoy honestly. I did it to fit into the social circle and it was bad, for my health literally.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

You may think it is cool but actually you are harming not only yourself but the people around you. That's why when I met my husband, I am grateful that he didn't smoke and I was able to quit altogether because of him, because I didn't need to smoke at all thereafter. That's why I firmly believe the 5 people you mix with today are the average of your outcome today. Just look around you and see who are your current circle of friends you liaise with daily and their habits and you will see somewhat a reflection of some in your own habits.

Image source https://www.pixabay.com

However, you can be the change in others by changing yourself first. That is why when you make a firm and informed decision to change the way you live your life, not only you benefit but, because of your little action, it can affect good little changes amongst the people around you watching you, following you, learning from you and copying you (consciously and subconsciously). So let's get down to the topic!

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Tobacco! Do you even know what is this? I don't, but when I started smoking, I know it will damage my health and my organs. Some say, take a deep breath in and you will feel the difference. Some love that feeling, some that's the feeling of damage happening silently. Some just take puffs and blow it all out thinking that it is more healthier or less damaging but, have you even heard of secondhand smokers or even third hand smokers? Second Hand are those that literally can see and smell the smoke you just puffed out, even if they aren't smoking. That's why if you smoke around people, those people will become secondhand smokers involuntarily. Third Hand smokers on the other hand are your loved ones waiting for you at home. They will get it directly from you because the smoke is already all over your skin, hair, body, breath and your clothes, even in your vehicle. Basically, that's how your entire family that lives with you, young or old, becomes third hand smokers involuntarily. 

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Sounds scary right? But it's true. I went through over the years hearing news and information of this to be well-informed of my decisions to quit this because it wasn't enjoyable to me. Did I even mention the cost of the cigarettes? You could save them up for a proper House or Car or even a better healthcare solution. That's why it is important for you to know what is Tobacco, what is Nicotine, what is Tar?

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

If Tar is an ingredient in the cigarette and tar is also an ingredient used to build road pavements, what am I building inside my body when I smoke these tar-cigarettes? Imagine it. 

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Let me share a personal story of mine, I know someone who had lung cancer, spent thousands and suffered through treatments and eventually thought he was almost recovered but the cancer came back in vengeance and he went into relapse until he passed on shortly after just a couple of days. This was like 10 over years ago, this person I know of loves to drink and smoke everyday! He can literally smoke more than 3 packets of cigarettes a day and he just smells cigarettes all day. Another one story of mine is from a friend, her husband was a chain smoker and she wanted him to stop. He dutifully tried but it was hard back then, he immediately stop his chain smoking but it was bad, he was already addicted to it. He started getting chills and he was have runny nose and it was so bad that his hand will shake and shiver unless he gets his daily puff. Why do I share these 2 stories with you is not to encourage you to continue but because it was because of so many individuals and so many years of research that many has gone through and passed on that today, we should be grateful that no matter what happened, it was for a good reason. Thanks to them and so many people out there finding ways for all of those who have been trying to quit smoking to live healthier without suffering the addiction of the non-smoking effects; Harm Awareness Association (HAA) is the forefront of reducing harm in every aspect in life, which I am featuring in this post today on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

So now we know that burning a cigarette is super harmful to everyone. What can we do to gradually reduce this and eventually stop? How can this post help you as a smoker or someone you know?

References : https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/nicotine/
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2009/05/31/4000-chemicals-in-cigarettes
https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-prevention/smoking/whats-in-a-cigarette
https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/whats-in-a-cigarette
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/215420#1
https://www.lung.org/research/sotc/by-the-numbers/10-worst-diseases-smoking-causes
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm 

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/

Here's a few alternatives that one can opt for a replacement to cigarettes but it’s important to note that while these products are not risk-free, they do however contain significantly lower levels of toxicants, thus, reducing harm to the human body.

1. E-Cigarettes

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Vape, vape pens, e-hookah, e-pipe, e-cigars and many more. 

What is it: A battery-operated device that does not contain tobacco. Instead, it works by heating an e-liquid to emit a vaporized solution upon inhalation to simulate tobacco smoking (but with relatively less harmful vapor!). The e-liquid typically contains a mixture of chemicals, artificial flavourings, and nicotine. However, options for non-nicotine e-cigarettes are also available.

I know of some who took this and eventually choose sweet flavourings and gotten used to it until they opted for similar flavoured sweets/candies as substitutes and eventually quit vaping altogether.

2. Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs)

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: IQOS, Ploom TECH, PAX, Glo and many more. 

What is it: HTPs are devices that employ battery-powered heating systems to heat tobacco to produce nicotine. Unlike cigarettes, HTPs do not burn tobacco, but as its name implies, heats it before allowing it to reach its combustion point.

I know of some who took this and eventually choose sweet flavourings and gotten used to it until they opted for similar flavoured sweets/candies as substitutes and eventually go quit smoking altogether.

3. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Nicotine infused products such as gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers and more. 

What is it: A commonly used, medically approved method that administers nicotine to a user without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. NRT comes in many sizes, shapes, and forms, designed to help those who quit smoking - especially those who suffer from severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. NRTs are widely available at pharmacies. 

I know of some who took this and eventually choose the real gums and lozenges without nicotine as substitutes and eventually quit relying on nicotine's altogether.

4. Smokeless Tobacco

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/updates/smoking

Examples: Snus, snuff tobacco or chewing tobacco.

What is it: Smokeless tobacco supplies nicotine without the combustion of tobacco and is administered either orally or nasally. As it does not involve the combustion of tobacco, therefore presenting no risks without smoke inhalation, smokeless tobacco is generally considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes - albeit, addictive.

I know of some who took this tobacco nasally and eventually choose the minyak angin instead to sniff and ward off the addiction and eventually quit relying on such snuff tobacco altogether.

Image source https://www.haahub.com.my/

Please note all these alternatives are not to encourage you to keep smoking for life, but when you make an informed decision to switch to these less harmful alternatives, make you have a goal in mind with a clear intention that the reason for the switch is to ultimately lead you to gradually reducing your smoking habits until you can totally quit smoking completely and live a healthier and more prosperous life that you and your loved ones truly deserve!
Reference : https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/ 

Having said that, this period of pandemic should be seen as an opportunity to quit smoking. Keep our body clear from harmful substances, as we do not know how bad the virus could affect us even in a healthy state. If that is too challenging, try slowing down on cigarettes and vapes, at least throughout this pandemic. Allow our system to fight infections optimally. Because when all this ends, all we really want is to be able to breathe in fresher air, with no face masks getting in the way… let alone cigarettes.
Reference : https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2021/05/712162/merokok-meningkatkan-risiko-dijangkiti-covid-19

For More Updates, Please Follow HAA website for more!