Before PhD Kick Off

My research project was suggested by my supervisor. I quite lucky of having such supportive sv whom guiding me a lots via email. He described in details about the project, the objective, and any related issue, thereby simplify my job as a student.

Now, the first thing I did  was definitely doing Literature Review. I dont have the idea on how i'm gonna start and manage my LR. Thank God for giving me wisdom and guidance to group those journal by dividing them into many folders based on the content. For instance, a folder for Optimization, Bacteria Isolation, Substrate, PHB Producing-Bacteria etc. Hence, it will be easier to find the paper in future.

Despite of the October 2nd commencement, but we are still around till 25th. I hatred of wasting my precious time without doing nothing. I've printed hundred review-based journals and gathered other related research papers to be skimmed, read and digested while I'm at home later. I'm gonna start my proposal immediately, thus I can start my lab work very soon after reaching UOA. 

Start reading review journal might be useful at this stage to get the general overview of the research background, latest findings, current trends and its significance.

Good luck to me ^.....................^

I'm nervous

My institute will be conducting a 2-day Microbial Identification Workshop tomorrow and Fri. I will be the person-in-charge for Lab Session 1 and 2, assisted by our M.Sc student, Ms Yip. I was informed that 9 participants have registered for the workshop, 5 veterinar doctors, 2 lecturers, and 2 microbiology students. Hmmm...maybe some of them have familiar and the expert in microbiology field.

I feel so nervous that I'm not able to deliver the practical lab just exactly my colleagues are expecting for. It's my desire to prove to them that I can do any task assigned to me successfully.

Dear God, please give me wisdom and guidance.

Amen

Today is Bit's birthday

20 Sept gonna be Bit's special day every year. I understand that I couldnt give him something special this year due to our 'darurat' financial problem now.

This is my only gift for him: endless love, consistent faithfulness, preservation trustfulness, and a deeply sincere prayer for:
~his good healthy conditions
~his needs
~his job/career
~his life
~his family
~his happiness
~his desire
~wisdom to face any challenging in life
~strength during temptation, difficulties and bad circumstances
~and protection all the time

And importantly, to continuously blessing, protecting and guiding our marriages.

for God will bless him abundantly according to His will. My most sincere prayer, may God will bless him with his flesh Godly kids in a very very near future. I believe, I trust and I pray only in Jesus Almighty name. Amen..

Sort of relief feeling

I am so happy today of having such a great chatting with kak jid (my senior colleague in IPB) who is currently studying in Uni of Adelaide. Initially I was really afraid of losing contact with her especially when our travelling date is around the corner.

Thank God for the strong instinct to PM her on fb  yesterday. She is coincidently available in KK now, dropping by prior to Miami trip next week. She is a very kind person with a positive attitude, helpful, always cheerful, and encouraging. She graduated from UK thus having perfect and excellent English communication skills. Sometimes I feel so stupid of regularly asking her with kind of silly questions. Well, we will meet up tomorrow giving me the opportunity to query more hehe..

She has added me to MyPSA group in fb, thereby easier for me to get assistant for housing searching and any other important needs. A senior known as Gina Manan on the group willing to give kind assistance. I thought she is one of the committee member of the organisation. It's been a long I'm looking for any malaysia students association here till I finally found it today.

This is the link of their group:

• Yahoo!© Groups : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MyPSA_SA/
• Facebook Groups : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10150178644045001
• Official website : http://www.mypsa‐sa.com

A month before flying to Adelaide

Frankly speaking, I'm started to worry about my PhD. The available remaining time is limited but we still haven't prepared anything. In fact, my hubby is still extremely busy with his construction project. Today, we went to KK for personal loan application but unsuccessful though. I am thinking we suppose to find money for Adelaide preparation now. But unfortunately we're not.

Yesterday I had submitted the 3-copies and 4-copies MOHE and UMS agreement, respectively. I am now waiting for the CoE to be issued by Uni of Adelaide prior to visa and travel arrangements. MOHE will process the form and deposit the 3 month allowances, placement allowance and the baju panas. They only cover for my insurances, fees and living expenses as UMS will cover for my spouse needs.

I am so thankful of having this golden chance. Not everyone will be given such a lucky opportunity. I was informed that the government will spend almost 1 million for each student studying overseas. Hence, we should do our part successfully and come back soon to serve with PhD achievement.

Bless to be blessed

"Saya sangat bersyukur kerana kehidupan bukan sahaja diwarnai dengan kesenangan, tetapi diberi kesempatan untuk berada dalam keadaan yang susah, menyesakkan dan memeritkan. Kerana pada saat melihat orang lain susah, saya seakan dapat sama-sama merasa bebanan mereka dan terpanggil untuk membantu seikhlas hati. Sebab saya tahu bagaimana perasaan berada di kondisi seperti itu dan sedar bahawa walaupun dengan hanya pertolongan yang sangat kecil, ianya mungkin menjadi satu titik permulaan kepada penyelesaian."

My another wall post which received an encouraging support from my fellow friends today. 

I was praying this morning telling God that I'm not asking what blessing I will get today but how I become a blessing to others instead. And I suppose, this is His answer for my prayer.

With a simple action, the sincere status might bring people to think how important we are to others. How important the small contribution it is.  Many people tend to be an ignorance while seeing the needy around us. Hence, started from today all my friends out there, let's change our mind and attitude. Be helpful, be humble and pay attention to others who might in bad circumstances. We never know, perhaps we also may stand on such situation one day. 

I have a story here...
There was a girl who was staying with her two sisters while her husband living far away due to work purpose. One day, in early morning when she was about to leave for work, something bad had happened in the house.  Someone had entered the house and stolen her handbag which contains all important things such as purse, identification card, bank atm, insurance medical card, passport and handphone. Important to note here that all her car, house and office keys were all inside. More worse, there was RM300 money belong to her uncle for car instalment, supposed to be paid on the same day. No one was inside the house. She couldn't do anything. She couldn't drive the car. She couldn't make a call for help or even having coin  for making a public phone call. At the moment, she really realize that if someone could give her about few cents, it would enough to make a solution.  It might just a small contribution for others, but she would surely grateful. Deep inside her heart, she pledged that if she find people in trouble in future, she would definitely will give a sincere help without any doubt.

Well, the girl is actually me. This experience truly affected my life. Thank Jesus for that. And it has inspired me to share by simply writing the post on my facebook wall today.

About to go for PhD

It is expected a month ++ before we are leaving for Adelaide next month.

There's still no preparation yet has been done so far.

Hubby is extremely busy with his Pitas project, spending his days most of the time there while a  2-day KK visit is becoming his weekly routine now.

I'm now waiting for my mom and dad's birth of certificate to be scanned and forwarded to MOHE. I had received an email informing my scholar application has been approved with conditions. Once the conditions are fulfilled, they will issue the acceptance documents to be completed within 2 weeks. At the same time, the University of Adelaide requires MOHE's financial guarantee to issue the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). When things are settled, we can get ready for visa and travel arrangements.

The question now is whether I am physically and mentally prepared for PhD?? Am I ready to start fighting? Am I ready to face any coming challenges soon?

I believe, I will face it successfully when the moment it comes... Definitely with God's guidance and wisdom :) Amen..

Chaiyok!

Happy ^o^

"Pagi yg cerah dimulakan dgn hati yg ceria dan penuh sukacita :)"

This is what I've written on my facebook wall today, received surprising numbers of like from my friends. I fall in love with the word of 'sukacita@joy' in which greatly representing Christ love and well stated in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23). 

~The Fruits of The Spirit~

I'm so happy that the status seems give a blessing and encouragement to everyone, regardless to their believe in religion.

I'm just don't understanding why since early morning today I enjoy kind of breathtaking and refreshing mind, far away from burdens, and forget about sorrow. 

Yeahh...I believe this is from God. I thank you Lord for this and I surrender everything onto Your hand. Let's Your way in my life and let's everything happen according to Your will. Amen.. 

I would like to spend some time to thank God for the following blessing since yesterday;

1. RM1000 from UTM for R&D contribution

2. RM500 from ICC for patent contribution

3. Scholarship approval from MOHE (received the email from them this morning)

4. Going back to kg in the evening today

5. For another day given for me to continue breathing and enduring God's endless love and grace.

6.

7.

8.

and those uncountable blessings from Him. It is truly impossible to list all down here...

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,   for his compassion never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;    great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Tak berkesudahan kasih setia TUHAN, tak habis-habisnya rahmat-Nya, selalu baru tiap pagi; besar kesetiaan-Mu! (Ratapan 3:22-23)

Important documents were returned

We had spent about 5 days Hari-Raya holiday at my village since last Friday. Lots of fun things happened. So happy to see the Gerai fast renovation progress with increasing customers and daily incomes.

Well, it's definitely very hard to start my working days today. Hubby is also now away for Pitas project.

Anyway, it's my great..great..and great pleasure to note down here that all my important documents including passport and purse had been returned back to me. I'm not really sure when exactly those things were returned, but absolutely while we were away for holiday.

I feel sooooooooooo happy. My RM300 is secured for passport re-apply. We also get  our little car's spare key again. Thank God!

I pray for a good healthy condition to the theft, a happy life, enough monthly income and may God open his heart and mind to think wisely in future, and keep himself away from this kind of bad habit.

Stolen handbag 14/08/2012

My handbag was stolen today when I was about to go for work.
So sad...But I thank God in any circumstances.

I pray for further protection from God for our entire life, house, and everything at surrounding us. Amen...

A very gentle reminder to the theft, yesss... you can take the money. But please give me back those my important documents. Oh my passport :( Immigration department will charge me another RM300 for this. You put me on big a trouble. Oh Lord, please forgive this person. Please give him wisdom, give him better life, good health conditions, and lead his life entirely. Amen..

We are back to 'PJJ' :((

Prior this, we had lived separately for approximately 7 months when I moved to KK, leaving hubby behind at JB. It was truly hurtful seeing the clock seems motionless all the time. It needed sacrificial, patience, loyalty, trustful, and understanding indeed. Of course, it involved lots of money $$$$ mostly for buying flight tickets, living expenses, house renting etc.

After a short re-united period, the 'PJJ' season comes again. All due to a work purpose, searching for money and to survive in this highly challenging world. I tried harder to give my sweetest smile each time he go, hiding secretly the crying heart. I learnt how to comfort myself and constantly be thankful in all circumstances while walking in God's way and guidance. 

Me dear heart, it's worth the wait!

God’s Word is the true source of comfort

I truly believe on God, Jesus Christ our savior and redeemer while giving eternal life. He is the TRUTH, the WAY, and the LIFE (John 14:6). We consume food everyday for energy and nutrition source. Without it, we become weak and starving! Similarly, we also need God's words, a godly food to strengthen faith, comfort, guidance, and everything.

I'm not kind of person who tend to share problems or personal things to someone else, except to my husband. I would rather prefer to talk to God via praying, express in deep my feeling, notify Him my most desire, inform my difficulties, and share my burdens with Him. Because God says;

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6)


There's something that I'm keep on praying very hard for so long. God asked us to ask. Just tell Him!

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,  and he will establish your plans (Proverb 16:3)

Commit your way to the Lord;  trust in him and he will do this (Psalms 37:5)

Well, only tears could describe my feeling whenever I met disappointment. But Haleluyah and I'm praising the Lord for providing us His Words, source of comfort of all. It's not only a promise but definitely the factual truth!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,   neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord.    “As the heavens are higher than the earth,    so are my ways higher than your ways  and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9)

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end (Ecclesiastes 3:11)


And importantly,

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33)

In any circumstances, I'm humbly and whole-heartedly accept this word in faith, love, rejoice, and thanks giving to the Lord.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12: 9)


Because, there is well written;

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,and what no human mind has conceived”   the things God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2: 9) 


And the truth is;

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  (1 Corinthians 10: 13) 



Well,
This is a good testimony from someone who almost died and suffering with unexplainable pain in his life.
http://julitamanik.blogspot.com/2008/05/pencobaan-pencobaan-yang-kamu-alami.html


Blessings everyone ^.^

Tips on finding PhD supervisor

During attending Research Methodology course, most of the speakers strongly highlighted the importance of finding right sv. There were cases whereby sv moved to another uni/organisation for better future prospect or attractive offer. Not forget to mention those who died due to illnesses or ageing. Meanwhile, arguments and misunderstanding with sv may lead PhD candidate to failure destination. These are the things that truly burdened my mind and interrupted my comfort sleep every night beforehand.

Having discussed the numbers of sv problematic issues, tips from experienced people hopefully indispensable.  Here are the summary from my seniors advices, tips from internet and guideline given during research methodology course (re-arranged to meet with my personal requirement actually).

1. Determine in which country we would like to study.

Europe? Australia? New Zealand? US? or even Local University?

For me, I would prefer Australia

2. Check the ranking of the university and the course.

Select the top 10 universities at the particular country.

3. Go through their website, search for the faculty/school/institute/group offering your field thoroughly, and identify lecturers that meet our need. Look at their publication tract record, CV, students under supervision, labs and related equipments etc.

Professors

• Adv:    They usually have good publication record, vast experiences, knowledgeable, strong      networking worldwide, well known
• Disadv: They might be quite busy to supervise,  frequently travelled as visiting professor, holding important management position, in which due to all these possible reason they couldn't give full commitment to students

Associate Professors

• Adv: In between professors and Dr
• Disadv: In between professors and Dr

Dr

• Adv: Still fresh and physically strong, have high commitment and will work very hard to achieve higher position, having lots of idea, due to this reason they will give their 100% commitment to student
• Disadv  : Will push student  to work very hard, still need more supervision experience, have to learn more knowledge, in the process of building networking and publication

4. Email them mentioning your intention to do PhD under their supervision with attached latest CV. Generally, those who give immediate respond shows their good interest on us. 

5. Discuss about project with potential sv. Then later ask opinion about the discussed research projects with the appropriate people in our institution. They will help to screen and identify the most appropriate sv and project.

6. Discuss in details with the selected sv and start to do literature prior to full proposal development.

Road to PhD

Here are some important dates for my PhD milestones:

Nov-Dec 2011------ Finding supervisor

Jan-Feb 2012------- Proposal Development

9-17 april 2012------ Research Methodology Course

21 april 2012-------- IELTS

25 april 2012-------- Form submission to UMS

09 may 2012---------Form submission to the University of Adelaide (UOA)

5 june 2012----------Get approval from School of Chemical Engineering, UOA

12 june 2012---------Graduate centre UOA received form

26-30 june 2012-----BTN

3 aug 2012-----------UOA Offer of admission obtained

9 aug 2012---------- Offer of admission pass to pendaftar

16 aug 2012---------KPT meeting

29 aug 2012---------Approval from KPT

10 sep 2012---------Received KPT scholarship offer letter + aggreement

10 sep 2012---------KPT Financial Affidavit given to UOA

12 sep 2012---------UMS agreement

18 sep 2012---------Submission of UMS and KPT agreement

25 sep---------------UMS Financial guarantee Given to UOA

Apparently look simple but it required strong effort and determination indeed, especially IELTS. Thank God, I managed to qualify the minimum requirement of the university :) 

From time to time, we have to communicate or follow up with the person in-charge to accelerate the process.

Got summon for Parking Offence

Throughout my driving period, I never got summon from Police for any offences. It sounds funny when I got summon from our Security Guard this morning. I won't blame them for this. They are doing their job dedicatedly regardless to the position of the car owner.  No wonder that area is free from car this days, whereby it always fully occupied before. Most probably, all of them also had received summons kan?? Well, I have my own reason why I parked there. It could protect my lovely car from being exposed to the daily scorching sun. Oklah, from now onwards, I wont break the rules anymore.

To be honest, someone had reminded me about this matter earlier but I preferred to be an ignorance person. Mmmm... I think, that's a human being common norm of life. Never change before 'terkena'.  Padan muka me lah..hohoho. No one has asked me to park over there.
Finally, end up of getting this white 'surat cinta'.

In return, I have to pay RM30 penalty for this kind of small mistake (I don't like to call it 'offence' hehe). After a gentle negotiation, the kind lady gave me discount so that I only have to pay about RM10. So funny kan? 

I'm Back to my johnesmailin@blogspot

Here I'm back after so long leaving this blog silently without any story. Time flies so fast and if I compared my life with past 2 years, there are many things had tremendously changed. Look at this my previous 'About Me' description.

'Im just a simple person.Struggle to do my best as a wife and being a responsible daughter to my family..Some people said im an easy going fren, easy to talk to and highly passionate to my career. Hopefully one day i'm able to work in my hometown "Negeri Di Bawah Bayu" as a PhD-holder lecturer in UMS..That's my goal right now. Nevertheless, i strongly believe and have faith that God has planned something good for my life. I give my life to you LORD! 

And I'm now serving for UMS , in fact will be leaving very soon for my PhD study. I had been praying very hard for this and today, I praise the Lord for my dream has come true. Thank you Lord for your Love, your Grace, and your endless Blessings!

My hubby, Bit is now in KK as well, following me since 2 months back. He is currently so busy with his freelance job, involving himself in mechanical and civil contract project. Well, something that he has desired for so long as well.

We even have our newly bought double-storey terrace house in Indah Permai. The house is located strategically near to UMS, supermarket, 1B hypermall and slightly closer to my relatives house. Despite of known as 2nd hand house, I'm still proud of having this as not everyone afford for this. In addition, KK housing price is surprisingly more expensive than JB. Again, thank you Lord for fulfilling our great need here (Fil 4:19). The Thanks Giving and Warming House Day had been carried out on last Saturday, 04.08.2012, attended by our close family members from both sides.

That's it so far.......
Yeaaah...It's good to read the previous post in blog as it would recap the memories on past things. We also can see how life is progressing and how perfect God's plan in our life. It is undeniable that of course there are some unanswered prayers . But, I believe God has something much and much better than our own planning (Jer 29:11).