BREAKING: MISSING FIRST HOUSE CUP

Dear all,  

Your ignorance is absolutely astounding. It’s been almost 24 hours since I’ve stolen the First House Cup. 24 hours, and nothing. It's gotten to the point that I have to actually PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE that the First House Cup is gone. Really, people?

This is what you’re all so obsessed about, remember? Especially you, Seladangs - just because your House Captain went missing, you all lost sight of the prize?

Speaking about that, I know more than you think, trust me on this one. Check the pool. But let’s forget about that for a moment - I’d prefer not to lose anymore attention towards this prank than it already has.

Assuming that you have all caught up with my brilliance by now, I’ve decided to tell you that I’ve left a few clues here and there to its location. Normally, I’d leave you to freak out for a week or so (maybe even through the whole Games Carnival!) but I’ve been feeling unusually bored lately.

And what better way to spend my time, but make a game out of this whole murder mystery thing - oops did I say murder?

Have fun and good luck my fellow schoolmates. 

Sincerely, 

...

(Bonus points if you can figure out who I am)

DISCLAIMER: All events depicted for the YJC Case Files event is purely fictional and has no relation to the First House Cup race or any of the sports houses involved. And yes, the real First House Cup is safely stored with the Sports Department. Maybe.

Happy Halloween!

A SMALL CREEPY (NOT REALLY) NOTE FROM THE HEAD DESIGNERS: 

31st of October - the day where ghosts can interact with humans and exact revenge on theBut it's not all about the spooks and costumes, it's about the thrill. 

On this day, children (and even adults!) don costumes that seem fit to come out from your worst nightmares to frighten ghouls and the like from harming them. But of course, the real fun comes from Trick-or-Treating, where

Pumpkins have become the most iconic representation of Halloween - you'll see carvings done by practically every household. It has now developed from ever so recognisable grin to more modern art creations such as cat faces. Some people even take things to a whole new level by basing their creations on other notable figures such as witches and superheroes, or giving them different emotions. 

Submitted by Gillian Phua, Junior 1 Venter, Class of 2015

Happy Halloween!

Malaysian Spooks

by Kong Xin Mei, Form 4 Science 1, Class of 2014

Malaysian spooks have made quite the legendary mark around the community. Just the mention of the ghoul Pontianak can get the hair at the back of your neck rising, with it being the subject of far too many local and Indonesian horror movies. Even the Pocong, a dead soul trapped in its shroud, has made quite the household name of itself. And of course, when something goes missing, who else is there to blame besides a miniature oil-covered man known as a Toyol? 

To merely overlook the rest of the local ghouls believed to be lurking in the shadows would be an insult to our country's rich culture and diversity of beliefs. There are many other mythical monstrosities that aren’t quite as popular yet - but not to fear (pun intended), because we at YJC have decided to satisfy your hunger for the unknown - or at very least, rob you off a few hours of sleep tonight.

1. Hantu Penanggal

This ghost could easily be classified as one of the most gruesome-looking creatures of all time. You could even say that it has quite the unique look, mainly because it does not have much of a body. Yes, you read the right - all that you will be able to see is a head floating in mid-air, some strands of hair, and a trail of organs attached to it. Nonetheless, these creatures could be very deceiving as they appear as ordinary women in broad daylight, but bodiless demons at night. Terrifying, isn't it?

It is believed that this female supernatural creature lives off human blood, with the blood of babies and unborn fetuses being its favourite. So it comes as no surprise that the Hantu Penanggal is often blamed for the sudden miscarriages or drastic blood loss in a pregnant woman. Fortunately for us, every creature has its weakness, with the Hantu Penanggal being no exception.

In this case, the Hantu Penanggal is terribly afraid of a local plant known as 'Mengkuang' and pineapples. The sharp thorns of this plant and fruit would either trap or injure the ghost’s exposed organs. So always eat your pineapples, folks!

2. The Mohini


Famous in the Indian community, a Mohini is commonly seen as a women dressed up in the Indian traditional costume, the sari. To put things a bit more into perspective, you could say that this ghoul somewhat resembles the famous Pontianak given the fact that it preys on men as well. The main difference between a Mohini and a Pontianak is its origins - the Pontianak is believed to be a lady who passed away with a fetus in its belly, while the Mohini is a suicidal soul who failed to achieve love in life.

This creature also does not devour its prey, but instead lures them into a trap using its powers of seduction. These unfortunate men are forced to spend the rest of their life with her, and will eventually wither away and die.
Victims have described the 'Mohini' as a beauty covered in a white sari, with a baby in its hands. In this appearance, it then starts to allure men. Once prey has been taken, the ghoul will ask the victim to hold its child while it reconstructs itself into its original form, which has been described to be a hideous blood-dripping, zombie-like figure. 

3. Jiangshi

Originally from China, Jiangshi has gained popularity in our country and is now feared by predominantly the Malaysian-Chinese community. These creatures are actually rotted corpses dressed up in traditional Qing Dynasty costumes. A Jiangshi is created when a soul is unable to leave its deceased body, often due to its tendency to stir up trouble, or a suicide.

What makes the Jiangshi so distinctive is how it travels from one place to another - it hops forward, with its arms outstretched due to a disability leaving it unable to bend its limbs and body. It also has a greenish-white complexion, which was believed to be caused by the fungus or mould growing on the corpse body.

These parasites suck the life force out of living creatures during broad daylight and hibernate through the night. However, they do not have the sense of sight, speech, or consciousness, and catch their prey through their keen sense of smell. 

So kids, if you ever encounter a Jiangshi, hold your breath and who knows, you might just be able to escape with your soul intact. (keyword: might)

After reading about these three horrifying creatures, you may feel a little frightened. And with good reason - Halloween is said to be the time where the line between the other world is at its thinnest, allowing even more unknown creatures to roam freely through the night. Who knows, maybe one of them could be standing behind you this very second and we may not even know it. 

Happy Halloween! 

Exams are here!

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Time is running out - you're gripping your pen tightly as you struggle to come up with the final Maths answer, but to no avail, the teacher calls for your pens to be put down.

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD DESIGNERS:

October. The month filled with two kinds of horror, the classic Halloween and the academic horror of taking exams. In less than, we will be sitting for our final examinations. The design team has come up with a number of designs that may both advise and motivate you, as well as let you relate to the overwhelming stress. These designs convey most of the prime components that contribute to exam stress. From all the designers to you, a student, we hope you find these designs appealing and relatable and we wish you all the best of luck!

P.S. You might need to zoom in on some designs for clearer view. 

Submitted by Alysha Kyra, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

Sources 1, 2

Submitted by Aaron Lim, Junior 1 Venter, Class 2015

Sources 1, 2

Submitted by Law Jeng Yee, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

Submitted by Gillian Phua, Junior 1 Venter, Class of 2015

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4

Submitted By Ian Lim, Junior 1 Venter, Class of 2015

Sources 1, 2

P.P.S. Here's the link to the designs that were submitted last year in 'Exam Stress', be sure to check them out if you're interested! 

October Issue: 31 Days of Horror

A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS:

If there was a beauty pageant for the ‘Most Terrifying Month of the Year’, you’ll be sure to see October take the title.

In fact, you’d probably watch her parading around in a skimpy glittery tube dress, seconds after stealing the crown from May as she had done time and time again. And rightly so: May might have been a solid contender with the stress of our first major exam of the year, but October has an added advantage - Halloween. A month filled with gory horror movie marathons, creepy pranks and reenactments of sinister rituals (that you'll probably regret later on at midnight as you keep close eye on the door). Not forgetting, ghost stories - because what Halloween would be complete without some gruesome tales to freak you out?

Being the sadistic little month October is however, a mere ghost story is probably the least of our worries.

Exams unfortunately are right around the corner, and the next two weeks are going to be filled with endless panic and sleepless nights - unless of course, you are one of those few wonderful students who actually study CONSISTENTLY WITHOUT FAIL, an otherwise dying art in this day and age. Weeks before, we revelled in the fact that we had a week off in conjunction with Deepavali....until the exam timetables revealed that in some wicked twist of fate, all the science papers were conveniently placed before the much anticipated holiday.

October vs General Human Populace: 1-0

October is also the month where we look majestically to the future. Tomorrow, the seniors - people who have come to become an almost unquestioned constant in our school lives - will be graduating. They may not have studied in the same classrooms as us, but many of them have been in this school since we first wore the checkered white-and-yellow dresses of a Reception student, and it's almost terrifying to think that we won't be seeing those familiar faces pass us by in the hallways anymore. 

Leaving the security of the seemingly endless five year routine, they'll be heading off on their own paths through the unpredictable world.

Meanwhile, the Form 4s and Junior 1s will officially become seniors, stepping into the now empty shoes once deservedly filled by the graduating batch of 2014. Feverishly (and almost desperately), we hope that it fits - which is pretty daunting, considering that the seniors have left us with some of the biggest pairs of shoes in Cempakan history. And yes, who else could we be talking about besides Manda and Mun?

This is a month of terror and fear, inevitable truths and accepting the grim reality of knowing that there is nothing much you can do to prepare yourself for the unknowingness of the future. But that is exactly what this issue is about - capturing the hopeful moments and essence behind the attempt of evening the score in this furious battle against October.

Once we make it through these 31 days of horror, all of us will truly be embarking on yet another crazy roller coaster ride (be it preparing for life after high school, or facing the reality of having to write monthly Editor's Notes). It will be tough, and many will consider yielding to the pressure halfway, but not to fear - we from YJC will be there with you every step of the way.

Wishing you the best in whatever you do,

Alisraa and Akhilan

P.S. Bonus points to those who spot the reference to Mr Sheat (which was completely necessary, namely because we are oh-so-prepared for his potentially fatal Chemistry paper)

Yet Another Emotional Good-bye Post

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD DESIGNER: 

It is quite rare to see designers making notes about anything at all on the Lumen Studet. Our role as designers is typically to present information in the form of visuals. Even the text or typography used in designs are a form of art, today I would like to make a small little exception. (I honestly had considered making this entire post in design form but I figured that everyone would probably be sick of my designs by now.) 

I really had not realised that my position as Head Designer for the Young Journalists’ Club was ending so soon, not until the other day when I asked Amanda (the Head Editor, read her last note here) about our new theme for October. Once the words left my mouth, the word “graduation” flashed in big (font size 72), red (#ed2024), bolded letters (Futura medium).

My position as the Head Designer was basically handed to me on a silver platter since there were no candidates and I was the only one who submitted pieces of work that year. #TrueStory. Being a designer is tough. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve sat on a chair just waiting for indications of a good turn-up for the upcoming meetings. We are probably the smallest group in YJC and to give you an idea of how small our team is, we only have one head and no board of directors. However, I also cannot tell you how happy I feel when somebody notices our designs. It makes all the sleepless nights, changing colours over and over again just to see with one is the best match; all of that, just so much more worth it. 

So before I go, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation and endless gratitude to a few people who have been an absolute joy to work with.

Firstly, of course, to my amazing and extraordinary (senior) design team, 

(From left to right: Ashley, Rachel, Wei Xin, myself, Jade and Sarah) 

Jade, who has been my constant companion since I was eight, my partner in crime and sometimes no-sleeping-until-we-publish-this-design buddy; Wei Xin, the single goofiest yet most serious person I have ever had the joy of meeting; Sarah, you design God; Rachel, you quirky ball of laughter and Ashley, the youngest yet the tallest cutie: thank you so much. Thank you for staying up late to complete a design, thank you for enduring my constant nagging, thank you -  just thank you. I could not have asked for a better team and a better group of friends. Sorry if I have ever ever offended you guys in any way, you guys are my rock(s) and for all you guys have done for me, I am eternally grateful. 

(If you guys are reading this, you must be thinking: could Val have chosen a better picture? The answer is no.) 

To the greatest fellow-heads in the world, 

Probably 2 of the most famous students in the school, do they even need an intro? 

Amanda and Wye Mun, thank you for not rolling your eyes when you hear me shouting “MAAAAAAAAANDAAAA” or “MUUUUUUUUUN” across the classroom, hall or anywhere else. Thank you for paying me quick compliments when designs are posted on the Lumen. Thank you, because I don’t know if I could have survived being paired up (tripled up?) with anyone else besides you two.

To my new head designers, my prodigies, my little minions,  

(From left to right, Ian Lim, myself and Choo Li Ling)

I wish you both the greatest luck in the world. Work hard and never give up! As Dato' Freida says, nothing is impossible. (especially not programming)

So, on the theme of this month, what's next?  What's next? Well, I think I speak for everyone on my 2014 design board when I say: who knows? With the future unknown, I can only hope that my talent of choosing the best font will be of assistance when I am writing an application. 

Yours, with greatest gratitude and appreciation, 

Law Veng Yee

Head Designer of 2014

Last Note from the Editor-In-Chief of 2014

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Have you ever heard the phrase “throw a stone in the middle of a crowd, and chances are you’ll hit a datuk?”

Well if you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly. Or so it seems like it. Especially looking at the attendance during meetings. We once got questioned on twitter, what is the Lumen? I can think of numerous ways to answer that question. 

We are this online newsletter. With minimum contributions from the student community, all articles you see are almost 99% by force, the other 1% a happy accident. 

We try our utmost best to cover the 101 school activities in Cempaka. Or at least we try our best to cover them interestingly - there are only so many times you want to hear about the whole five days of Games Carnival, or the exact details of each and every poem recited during English Games. We run on nonexistent deadlines, iPhone-quality pictures and our Whatsapp group chat which sometimes make me feel like I’m talking to a wall.

Our editors write more than they edit. Or at least, they write, then edit each other’s articles. Our VLE page proudly says 210 members, but I can count the number of active members on one hand, all of which whom are editors. We are pros at persuasion, coercion and ruthlessly cutting down the number of words in an article, knowing that people rather see pictures than read text. (In fact, I don’t even know how many of you will make it through to the end of this article, but please bear with us)

We follow more people than we have followers on Twitter. We shamelessly advertise, we crave retweets (even though we sometimes question them - an article on Prom got more retweets than an article on MH17..) and idolize the comments we get. A simple “nice article” always makes our day.

Knowing all this, would I call being an editor a thankless job? Well, whenever I’m near thinking along that train of thought, I stop and look through the replies we get on twitter, all the popular articles we have - Goodbye Damansara still remains as the most viewed article at 2000+ (yes that was a shameless bit of advertising right there) and how far we’ve come since Dr. Rizal’s brainchild of changing the Lumen. 

“If you throw a stone into our schooling community, 99% chances are you’ll hit someone who doesn’t know what the Lumen Student is, sadly.”

You know that? That was perhaps at the beginning of the year. But when you throw the stone now, maybe, just maybe. Someone will throw it back and say “you mean Lumen StuDET right?” 

With 70000 views under our belt in the past year, I am so thankful to each and every single member of the YJC board of how far we’ve come. And how far they will continue to go. To my mentor, Jamie, thank you for putting Lumen on the map, and for making us who we are today. 

To say there is no where else to go but forwards from here on, is a bit optimistic. There will still be dry spells. There will still be days where the views curve downwards, mirroring your sad face. But I can assure you, there will be greater days ahead as well.

The Editorial Board of 2015!

Thank you to the dedicated team of designers, for their lovely designs which never fail to brighten up the lumen. 

The photographers for their not-always-punctually sent but still rad photographs. You’re one of the reasons people even click the link in the first place.

The writers, for your timely contributions be it by force or not.

The editors, Wye Mun & Valerie for your dedication and usually last-minute work that somehow or other always miraculously pulls off in the end, saving the day.

And at last, to my dear, dear readers. You may be far and few in between, but I know you’re out there, the views chart tells me so and if anything, I believe in that. 

It has been a privilege to write for you.

Much love, from your Editorial Board of 2014 (Missing Chua Zi)

What's Next: Deputy-Editor-In-Chief Chin Wye Mun

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

Deputy Editor In Chief Wye Mun

Name: Chin Wye Mun. Also known as Mun to most. 

Side positions: 

Besides being my kick-ass sidekick in the Young Journalist club and second in command of the prefectorial board, she’s also head of the umbrella society, Save the World. Whoever said small is powerful obviously knew Wye Mun. 

The powerhouse behind the Lumen Studet, especially when I’m otherwise occupied, Wye Mun helps to keep the chicks in line among managing the Lumen’s twitter, pestering photographers, editing articles and the like. Efficient, fast, productive -You know? She’s like one of those poisons - the ones with labels that read “deadly in small amounts”.  Emphasis on the “small”. However with Wye Mun’s infectious laughter, there’s the added benefit that you might die with a smile on your face. 

Hobbies: Sleeping, eating, sitting down and being unproductive

As relaxed as it sounds, don’t let this lethargic list fool you. Wye Mun is no doubt part of the brain behind the brawn (am I the brawn? I really don’t know) of Lumen Studet. Regardless of her hobbies, things always get done with Wye Mun at the helm. 

Other things to note:

1) Never give your pens to Wye Mun. It’ll come back chewed.

Never touch the tip of her pens either, which has man-made (more like man chewed) craters not unlike the moon’s surface. Our part tagline was “YJC, where the pen is always mightier than the sword”. However in Wye Mun’s case, we might have to add on a tiny side-note - unless that pen belongs to Wye Mun”.

2) She still can’t reach the top compartment of the bus (or the top of the whiteboard for that matter), without having to stretch her arms all the way up whilst stand on tippy toes.

In Getting to Know Us part 1, her height of 149.5cm was exposed to the world. And we do not regret to inform you that she has not grown an inch since. 

Confession: 

Once during the lengthy proceedings of the First House Cup prize giving, Encik Hisham commented to her as they shook hands, “I like it that you’re shorter than me”. 
We like it too Encik Hisham, we like it too.

Article Contributions:

If we name them all, the list would be too long because as you all may or may not know, both Wye Mun and I are responsible behind the monthly editorial notes. So for your convenience, here’s the link to all the editorial notes if you’d like to peruse: http://lumenstudet.cempaka.edu.my/search/?q=editors+note&x=0&y=0

Article of pick: 

White Christmas

Chances are, one out of every five students in out school is a big k-pop fan, and Wye Mun is one such individual. Aside having a tons of poster boys (who look like girls) mixed in with the actual girl bands, covering a wall in her room, she also has various other K-Pop merchandise which she has attempted to lessen by selling her things on line. So if anyone’s interested in boys with severely coloured hair and mascara, you know who to PM. 

If you’re not that into owning pocket files with identical guy’s faces on it, you can check out her article on the recently big-time, popular, “not-your-average-K-Drama” K-drama, White Christmas. And don’t be afraid to comment your views as I’m sure all you k-drama fans are apt to do once a good drama gets you going. 

What’s next?:

So what’s next for Wye Mun? When I questioned her, she replied “studying”. I’m not surprised at that as it’s probably on all the senior’s lists right now if it isn’t “crying” or “giving up on trials”. And who knows, one day this A* student might become a teacher herself - one of her very briefly considered future professions. But if that, or her probable career in actuarial science doesn’t work out, she’s welcome to join me and my band of misfits selling Char Kuey Teow for a living. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

To my second in command, my liege, my right hand man. To the person who makes me seem taller than I actually am. Thank you for your dedication to the post, and for making YJC what it is today. Without you, we’d all be a little less happy, a little less tall, and probably a lot less efficient than we are today. Chin Wye Mun, it has been an honour to pen articles, and run this newsletter with you. 

What's Next: On-The-Front Editor Chua Zi

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

On-the-front Editor Chua Zi
Name: Chua Zi. Also known as Zi.

I can’t count the number of times teachers have asked Zi with a confused look on their face, “Do you have a surname/middle?” No, no she doesn’t, deal with it. 

Hobbies: Reading, tweeting..?! 

Other interesting things to note: 

1) Bob 

Zi is famous for cutting her hair by herself yet still being able to come out looking like a million dollars. You know how some people can pull off short hair and others can't? Well she can. We don’t know if that’s just her professional hair-dressing skills, or just her fabulous hair but thumbs up Zi! 

2) One-girl-wonder 

Blessed by the god of Barbies with limbs that seemingly have no bones, it was only natural her gymnastic skills in Primary should progress to her becoming part of Beruang’s all star dance group. An elite group of hardcore dancers who are known for their strict practice regimes but more famously for their show-stopping moves on stage. 

Zi also pleasantly surprised everyone when she performed on stage with best friend Auriel during commencements, but not to dance, to sing! I also happen to know she plays piano, the drums, guitar and the violin on a small scale. She’s your Performing Arts all-rounder all right. 

3) Best Twitter Award 

Zi’s tweets can make you laugh out loud, embarrassing yourself over the dinner table. Like how in her articles she’s not afraid to speak the uncomfortable truth with bits of sarcasm and humour at the expense of the human race, her Twitter page is both hilarious and enlightening. I sometimes restrain myself from tweeting what I feel like, lest you find yourselves one head prefect short the next morning, and it’s fine, as I can live vicariously through Zi’s tweets. So keep churning out your 160 characters worth of humbling-sarcastic-honest-to-good tweets Zi.

Famous line: And yooooou, called me sugaaaaaaaar-rrrrr 

Article Contributions:

We couldn’t find a position more suited to Zi when we bestowed upon her the position of On the front editor. Widely read and never afraid to speak her mind her articles are always a refreshing read and a change from the usual rambling school article. 

She’s covered a couple of important happenings the past year, namely the Typhoon Haiyan disaster, the haze epidemic, the Sewol Ferry incident and MH370.

Article of pick: 

Reflections with Auriel Yeap 

Though this article doesnt even fall into her jurisdiction, what started out as a compulsory yearbook-must-write-or-suffer-the-wrath-of-IB-article, ended up becoming a truly heartfelt yet not overly cheesy article of dance and friendship. She asks all the right questions, hitting the core of the article spot on. 

My second favourite which should definitely merit a mention would be her 101 on How to Eat a Human. Need I say more? 

What’s next? 

She’s says if all else fails, she’ll be looking at editorial positions in magazines. Yep, that’s wonderful Zi, we’re glad journalism is your fallback plan and we’re just going to take it as a compliment here. 

If not you can always still consider the plethora of career choices your multiple skills entail. And my CKT-stall-to-be could always use an entertainer cum hair stylist. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Thanks for giving me a good laugh every time I look at your face when the teachers start to ramble on a bit too much. Thank you for giving the Lumen rare articles of substance, articles I’m sure any magazine or newspaper would be proud to have written. I not only admire your writing skills, but also your general knowledge about the most random things ever. Chua (no middle name) Zi, it has been an honour to work with you.

What's Next: School Events Editor Ryan Yoong

Written by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014

Yes, I should be studying (or crying, or procrastinating or eating, possibly all of the above). However before I pen my last note, I would like to finish my run as the Editor-In-Chief by thanking the very people who made this term possible. These editors have worked their butts off during their senior year no less, through the hectic FHC season, the 101 school events, the mountains of homework, classwork and work, to provide the schooling community with readable, and dare I say enjoyable articles throughout the whole year. So please read and enjoy. I give to you the people behind the scenes of the Young Journalist Club, the senior editors of 2014. 

School Events Editor, Ryan Yoong Ka Jun

Name: Ryan Yoong Ka Jun. Also know as Ry. 

Side Positions: One-half of the starlet emcee duo. Slave-buddy to Queen Vayonce (aka Seladang deputy captain). Also head of we-hug-trees and animals umbrella society in Cempaka although he has eaten many animals we don’t usually consider as a meal - as stated in Getting To Know Us Part 1. 

Hobbies: Traveling, cooking, talking, writing emails (yes, you saw that right), reciting emotional poetry... just kidding. 

As you might deduce from the Getting to know us article, Ryan’s chocolate cookies are to die for. And while we can’t imagine him in a frilly apron, we can envision him being big on stage in the future, preaching in a suit whilst making energetic hand gestures as he does so often now. 

Most Famous Line: *to be said in a reverent voice with visions of dramatic clouds of dried ice in mind* Gas! Gas!

An excerpt from his emotional poetry recitation during YJC’s Afternoon with the War Poets event. This line is also famously the only line students will most likely remember from the somber yet sleepy An Afternoon with the War Poets assembly.

Other interesting things to note:

1) Sushi Chef

Ryan once went around school dressed as a ninja. Yes, you read that right. For Interact Club’s National Day with Finery, some went round in baju kurungs. Others in cheongsams, saris' and even the occasional han bok. However attired in what he deemed as Japan’s “national attire”, the famous sushi chef- sorry, I mean ninja made his appearance (or disappearance?) that day.

2) The Proposal

The stars were twinkling (the sun was shining). The air was tense with romance (with anticipation). All eyes were fixated on the man in the suit. (Ryan with a ridiculous newspaper-cutout-tie). In a smooth flourish, he knelt down and produced a beautiful diamond ring (a piece of aluminum tin-can), professing his adoration to Puan Farah who unsurprisingly turned down his proposal. The things we do for House Deco competition. Ah well Ryan, she was already taken anyway. 

Article Contributions:

Getting To Know Us came about thanks to the brainchild of Ryan and Amirul Zain. In an effort to get to know the Cheras board better, all the dirty little secrets (not really) of the current senior and soon-to-be outgoing board was aired out - a definite must read by anyone.

However his travel article to New Zealand tops the list. An epic, hilarious one-boy journey to the land filled with fluffy sheep and stunning views, all through the wide (or small) eyes of a Malaysian boy whose wonderment at the organized airport overseas (people queueing up - can you imagine?) did not go unwritten.

What’s next?: 

Traveling of course, for all New Zealand did was give him a bigger hunger to explore the world beyond here. However of course, there is the small factor of cash. And parents. And education. But nonetheless, I’m sure adventures will still find their way to him. 

Boss Lady’s Note: 

Very rarely do articles surface from the depths of your “I can write that lah” and “I’ll handle it”s. However when they do, it’s seriously and hilariously great. You also get the “Always Replies Whatsapp Award!”, for making me feel like I’m not talking to a wall in the group chat. Thank you for your clear-headedness, invaluable advice and the GAS! GAS! joke that will stay with me for life. Thank you for giving your time and contributions to the club. Ryan Yoong Ka Jun, it has been an honour working with you.

Saving The World: A Race for Humanity

Written by Yap Jia Xin, Form 4 Science 1, Class of 2015

Photographed by Lai Li Chan, Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015

It was just two days before we had to say our painful goodbyes to the school holidays and jump back into the frenzy of homework and studying 24/7. That’s two days to shake off the holiday mood and recap everything from our books that we had gladly forsaken just a mere week ago.As luck would have it, the Save The World society (otherwise known as STW) had introduced and planned out what they call “STW’s Race for Humanity”, a STEM-based treasure hunt where all proceeds would go to charity. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and that was the theme that the treasure hunt was going to be centred around in order for all participants to learn and be educated while having fun - perfect for getting us back into the studying spirit.

On the last Saturday before school reopened, 9am to be precise, 25 teams of four gathered at the Pusat Sains Negara, ready to take on whatever physical and mental challenges STW had in store for us. The race was kicked off with a quick briefing by the STW presidents, Chin Wye Mun and Ryan Yoong, followed by a group picture. After the picture was taken, we were off!

Every team was provided with a card with seven different clues on them which led to seven different checkpoints. As for my group, we started off solving a riddle about some black and white keys, which led us to a floor piano. There, our team were to play the song “Mary Had A Little Lamb” as a group, by stepping, or in our case, skipping along the keys of the floor piano.

We played the piano with our feet.

After that task was completed, out next clue led us to the dome shaped entrance of the science centre where we had to create then belt out our war cry until an echo could be heard. We then had to face a series of Biology related questions which definitely got our brain juices flowing. You would think the biology component at this checkpoint was all mental, no biologically physical strain whatsoever. My group found out the hard way, via the mistakes from the questions we answered.  Push ups, sit ups, as well as running down a VERY long winded, never ending ramp in just under 20 seconds - we had to carry out a much gruelling penalty. Thankfully we completed penalty given its circumstances and didn’t have to stick around for more.

Next up, a challenge which most groups completed pretty quickly. Four per team, one on each side of the table which within it, was a maze. A ball was inserted into the side of the maze, and the task was to tilt the maze, and direct the ball into a hole in the centre. I would say it took about 30 seconds, tops.

“Take a selfie with Potamotrygon Motoro” - Our following clue. “I think it’s a fish”, was the first thing my teammate blurted out. With no other ideas, except for another suggestion that it was a dinosaur, we headed to the aquarium which turned out to be exactly where the clue was leading us. Yes, it was a fluke, a fluke which had served us well.

My group's 'SELFIE-SH'! (sorry, couldn't resist it)

After our insta-worthy selfie with the fish, we hopped along to our next checkpoint, the mathematics checkpoint. We were given a piece of paper with rather stimulating questions which we had to obtain all the right answers to. All I remember from that station was counting brown tiles then recounting them all again, and I think it is safe to say everyone is with me on this one. Right guys?

At checkpoint number 6, we were given four stations to choose from as options. My group, consisting of rather lazy people, made our decision by picking the station nearest to us, obviously. We had to build a dice. It might sound easy but it most certainly was not! That was unquestionably the most mind challenging checkpoint that my group encountered in my opinion.

Finally, we reached our last checkpoint. Isolated from the rest, it was effectively concealed near the playground beside the ramps we ran down for our penalty. Once again testing the mind, we had to answer a riddle. When we had succeeded in doing that, we were directed to look for a person in the area who was wearing cape. It took my team a few minutes but eventually, we stumbled upon this mystery person right in the middle of a children’s swimming pool, which meant only one thing - we had to go in.

After waddling in then out of the pool, we complied all the alphabets given to us after the completion of each checkpoint and began to unscramble. Soon enough, we figured out the so called ‘password’, was “charity” and did our war cry one last time before successfully completing the Race for Humanity! Yay!

All in all, it was a great way to start off the weekend before the holidays were over, exercising the mind (and the body, for some) and getting to see our friends! Whether we realise it or not, I’m sure everyone learned a thing or two at least, from the experience of simply being a part of the treasure hunt. Can’t wait for the next one!