The Importance of Malaysia Day

written by Nicole Lee, Junior 1 Higgs, Class of 2015

When you ask any Malaysian whether they know the significance of Merdeka Day, the usual response would be that it’s about Malaysia gaining it’s independence on the 31st of August. In addition to this, most of us celebrate the independence of the country with parades, parties, a short vacation and not to forget the shopaholics who go crazy over the sales. Why is it that whilst Merdeka Day is celebrated widely across the country, Malaysia Day is merely a footnote in our history books?

It is very often forgotten that Malaysia was only formed on the 16th of September 1963 when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined together with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya, to establish the new federation of Malaysia. They did not join Malaysia before 1957 as is commonly thought. In other words, the 16th of September, Malaysia Day is Malaysia’s birthday. This recently created holiday, since 2010, has much significance for East Malaysia as recognition is given to the fact that they are part of Malaysia.

I feel that Malaysia Day should be celebrated with more pride. Yes, there may be a few things we can improve on such as the political, racial, religious and social undercurrents. However, we should put these things aside as we should be thankful for the many blessings we’ve had over the past decades. We live in a diverse country filled with people whom we call family despite our different cultures and races, a country rich in resources and free from natural disasters. 

Many stories from the man in the street will confirm that most Malaysians are blind to each others skin colour. It is so common to see  different races sitting together, over a cup of teh tarik whilst discussing common things like how the country fared in the badminton competition or the impact of inflation on their lifes. The recent disaster faced by Malaysia Airlines brought the people together. Everyone grieved, irrespective of the colour, race or religion of the victims. 

Malaysia Day is a day to remind us that we’re really fortunate to have the different races from various backgrounds living together in harmony. Most foreigners are truly amazed when they see how we can easily switch from one language to another in a conversation and understand each other. Malaysia Day, let’s give it the recognition it so richly deserves.

Exclusive Insight on SPM Trials 2014

written by Kong Xin Mei, Form 4 Science 1, Class of 2015

Good thing the school bags are light during exams, because the load of stress is most certainly heavy enough.

The much dreaded season of national exam trials has just passed us. This of course includes our very own SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) Trials -  a huge deal to all fifth-year secondary school students. Along with the examinations of course comes a near bipolar stress level and numerous, numerous cups of coffee. 

This is just the first wave of the typical and mind-boggling subjects Biology, Chemistry, and Sejarah to take its toll on all Form 5 students. Other than that, who could ever forget the famous phrase, “Don’t forget kids, practice makes perfect,” by the teachers? Nobody, because this quote has been mentioned repeatedly over and over again by all Mathematics and Additional Mathematics teachers. These two subjects never fail to plant a bittersweet conceptualisation in the student’s mind, predominantly Additional Mathematics. 

Well, does the sound of the subjects mentioned above scare you already? If it does, there is no doubt that it casts the same effect on most of the Form 5 students but as they do year after year, they managed to suppress their fear and learn to just go for it. However, they never said it was a piece of cake.  

Damansara’s YJC Club managed to get an insight into the national Class of 2014 who are currently sitting for the SPM Trials, and here’s what we got:

1. How does it feel like sitting for SPM Trials? The answer is pretty obvious don’t you think? Its stressful. However, a great deal of them agree that they feel a profusion of pressure during the first week, when the examination just started. Once the second week comes by, they couldn’t really be bothered much. In my theory, I deduced my conclusions and could only come up with two, which is either immunity or Demi Lovato’s latest hit, really don’t care. Nonetheless, every cloud has a silver lining. Amirah Farhanah refers to this anxiety as an inspiration to push and study harder and Mithali actually studied two months in advance! Now thats something you don’t hear everyday. Kudos to both of them!

2. Do you think you’re prepared for SPM Trials? Most of the feedback we got was "no, not at all". Why you may ask? Various reasons were given to support their response, ranging from “I concentrate too much on certain subjects,” to “I just procrastinate all day” or straight up, “There just wasn’t enough time”. However, some students did admit that it all comes down to what subjects they were taking. This leaves the usual, Additional Mathematics, Sejarah and all three Sciences on the line as students either concentrate mainly on these subjects or barely at all. However, Mithali scores yet again! She claimed that she was quite prepared for SPM Trials except for Sejarah as two textbooks of this subject is just too strenuous. Well that doesn't matter because Sejarah is just one out of the many subjects. Bravo!                           

3. How do you prepare for SPM Trials? Its simple, do countless amount of Past Year SPM Questions, or, if you want the traditional and classic technique, just open your book and study. Nothing beats a warm cup of tea or in this case, coffee, and a huge, thick, fact-filled book to enjoy with it right? However, burning the midnight oil is never the answer when sitting for SPM Trials. According to the experienced Form 5 students, study at least 2 months before and while you still can, seize every opportunity to pay your fullest attention in class. Oh and of course, “Keep practising Additional Mathematics,” Amirah advised. This proves that our Mathematics teachers never lie.

4. What do you think about when you’re sitting in the exam hall apart from knowledge? There were so many answers to this question but “When is this paper going to end?” wins it all. Other than that, we can’t deny the fact that the Form 5 students self-forced themselves to stay up late just to absorb all the information from their textbooks, so you can agree that sleep would be out of the picture. Therefore, the runner-up for this enquiry would be “I really want to sleep now, but I can’t”. In spite of that, some students found distractions over-shadowing their trail of thoughts. This includes the classical music that everyone had grown used to, vocal practices and many more. Amirah tends to think out of the ordinary yet again. She ponders, “What if I fail? How am I going to explain my failure to mum and dad?” This mental picture is definitely another departure from the norm.

5. Do you have any words for the current Form 4’s? This is when the Form 5 students can finally show off their experiences and abilities to the current Form 4 students, for a good cause! Without further ado, here are some inspirational quotes from our beloved national Class of 2014:

“Don’t ignore your basics. Keep revising all your Form 4 subjects before its too late.”- Hafiz Railey 

“Do your Additional Mathematics consistently and never at the last minute. Also, in your examinations, never skip a question or you’ll end up regretting it. I repeat, never.”- Imran Teh and Waikheng 

“Have a crazy amount of fun in Form 4 because once you enter Form 5, the stress starts kicking in and before you know it, you’re going to regret the fun you could have had last year.”-  Amirul Zain 

 " Just start studying now. Oh and for Sejarah, if you don't want to study the textbook, just keep doing questions. You'll get the hang of it eventually." - Matthew Tang,  Ryan Yoong and Vanisha Ann

“Good luck.”- Jordan Wong, Alif Ashraf                

Which quote turned out to be your favourite? 

That was all the questions we had for our amazing seniors who are taking SPM Trials this year. Before I end this article, I would just like to give a quick shoutout to the Form 5 students who generously took their precious time off studying to answer these questions. Best of luck for your papers!

“Remember, don’t study hard, study smart.”

Lumen Studet - Now on Instagram

by Alisraa Aldin and Kong Xin Mei, Form 4 Science 1, Class of 2015

Our very first post - Encik Hisham taking on the Ice Bucket Challenge!

Instagram - the land of food pictures, OOTDs (or if that's too mainstream, 'double-oh-tee-dee'), fitspiration workout posts, beautiful landscapes of foreign places all around the world, and of course, who could ever forget the classic selfie. Not to mention, it's also a great way to 'stalk' your favourite celebrities!

Admit it, you're guilty of at least one of the the following. If the answer is no, you're probably lying. Or at very least, not a very avid user of Instagram. If you're the kind of person who didn't bother getting on the Instagram train, you probably should reconsider because you've been missing out on a lot for sure!

Ah, the classic Instagram trademark: A photo of...another photo?!?

Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Not only will your be getting an 

inspiration for future OOTD's, but also this celebrity's current lifestyle.

You probably are wondering why YJC suddenly created an Instagram account out of the
blue. Well, the answer is simple - we've decided to join in on the Insta-parade and 
showcase our photographs and designs to the world. Naturally, we won't be putting out just 
any photos, and most certainly not OOTD's or simple selfies. (despite being extremely
tempted to do so) No, instead we shall be posting photographs taken by our very own
students throughout this whole year!

You can't deny that Instagram is great way to keep up with the Kardashians!

Two Instagram trademarks in one photo: the frequently-used 'tbt', which stands for Throwback
Thursdays, and also the oh-so-typical but breath-taking scenery shot

I hope we've intrigued you already with at least a faint idea in your mind. 

But for those who are still confused, allow us to explain to you further. YJC has decided to seize the opportunity to take one of Instagram's most widely-used cliches and incorporate it into a photography project - the throwback.

Introducing Flash!Back 2014, a simple project dedicated to supplying Cempakans with photos of their many precious school memories and unforgettable moments. For the next few weeks, we will be taking you on a journey back through time as we post shots of our various school events throughout the year 2014. Among the things to look forward to are pictures from IU Day, Games Carnival, The Wedding Singer, and of course, Big Splash!

Want to be a part of it? Join us and share YOUR cherished moments of the 2014 school year, simply by adding the hashtag #yjcflashback when you post on your own Twitter or Instagram account. Who knows, you might just be lucky enough to see yourself featured on our page!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your phones and start following us here.

Happy National Chocolate Milkshake Day!

Written by Ayden Emir, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

Source: Lisa Siva's Blog

Do you love chocolate? What about milkshakes? If you do, then chances are you’re sure to love the upcoming National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12th. If you’re planning to go on a diet make sure to prepare for this one day so that you and your family will be able to enjoy a delicious chocolate milkshake. This may seem surprising, but the term milkshake was first used in a British newspaper, referring to an alcoholic drink that was similar to eggnog. In 1990, milkshakes were drinks flavored with syrups such as strawberry, vanilla and chocolate syrup. Soon, the milkshake became popular in malt shops - the ice cream parlors of that era.  

Today, milkshakes are now served in restaurants as a Some famous stores around the world which sell chocolate milkshakes are:

Source: Dairy Queen

Double Fudge         Frozen Hot           Chocolate at         DairyQueen

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Source: timecity reviews

Chocolate Madness Shake at Johnny Rockets

         

Source: Poore Amy's Blog

Liquid Nitrogen Chocolate Milkshake at FLIPP Burger

Afraid that this sinfully delicious treats will show on the scale? While the rich and creamy beverage certainly isn't the healthiest dessert choice available, chocolate milkshakes makes up for it by being loaded with calcium and antioxidants. Some scientists even go as far as claiming that the chocolate milkshake is the ideal post-workout recovery drink, as compared to isotonic drinks or good old-fashioned water. Of course, the high sugar intake may be concerning if you're trying to follow a healthy diet, but you can easily solve this by creating your own homemade treat and substituting the ice cream with Greek yoghurt. This healthier version reduces the fat and sugar content of your meal, so you don't have to feel too guilty about your weekly milkshake habit.
,
Even if you don’t have milkshakes that often, go and celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day by having a delicious, heavenly, mouthwatering chocolate milkshake at almost any ice cream store on September 12th. Enjoy! 

Big Splash Through the Years

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

Like our seniors have done before, and their seniors' seniors too.
And as our juniors will do in the years to come, and their juniors' juniors too.
The big splash is a long, upstanding tradition in the Cempaka family, just one out of the many that us seniors will hold dear to our hearts. 

Class of 2010

Class of 2010

3!…..

Tomorrow, the pool will overflow. Not just with water, and uniform-clad bodies, but also with memories to last a lifetime. 

Class of 2011

Class of 2011

2!…...

Even though the location has changed, from our beloved Damansara to Cheras.
Even though tomorrow there'll be quite a bit more bodies jumping in than we initially thought.

Class of 2012

Class of 2012

1!…….
Even though there's been more ups and downs and turn arounds, making it one hell of a senior year.

Class of 2013

The essence of what big splash truly is about, will always remain the same. 

Class of 2014 - to come.

UPDATE:

The Class of 2014 has finally made their oh-so-glamorous entrance into both the pool and the Big Splash gallery.

Class of 2014

This beauty is only one of the many bittersweet moments captured for the Class of 2014. 

Proceed here to view more of the bittersweet moments captured.

Will There Be Justice For Ferguson?

Written by Natasha Wong, Class of 2016

Only a small spark is needed to ignite a fire; in this case, an 18-year-old black teenager, shot by a police officer. This little spark has managed to light a fire in the community of Ferguson, Missouri, igniting one of the most controversial disputes between law enforcement and citizens.

Despite its small town roots, this story has spread throughout the country, making its way to international news. It all began when the aforementioned teenager, Michael Brown, was shot by a police officer,causing an outrage within the predominantly black community, adding to the already high tensions between them and the largely white police force. This only served to worsen ties, and cause the massive rioting and protests we now hear on the news.

Since the incident, marches and protests were being held not only in Ferguson but on the streets of Washington, DC. The message they are trying to convey is simple: stop the abuse of authority. Bearing messages such as “Hands up! Don’t Shoot!” and “How many must die?”, they were trying to show the unfairness of the police, all of this relating to the incident in Ferguson.

Ferguson is a predominantly black community as mentioned before, with 64% black citizens, 33% being white and the remaining consisting of other ethnicities. Of the 54 law enforcement officers in the community, only 3 are black. However, blacks account for 86% of traffic stops and 92% of all arrests in the community-according to The New York Times. This serves to prove the immense power balance of the white police against the black community, which when separated like so, causes spite, anger and discrimination.

Since the shooting, the police have had to resist the outraged cries of the citizens. The way they handled it was unprofessional and heavy handed. Their actions have only managed to aggravate the people and exacerbate the situation. These foul tactics included, according to citizen statements, using illegal chokeholds and shouting racial slurs.

One is shocked by all of this: the severe imbalance and abuse of the power given unto the police. The situation has brought doubt and suspicion upon the competency of the police force, and whether it really has been doing its job objectively. It also raises questions of whether the issue of racism in America has really shown such positive improvement as has been claimed.

There are many ways of looking at this situation but there is no reasoning for the blatant racism shown not only by Ferguson's police force but also by members of America's white community. 

Amidst the pain and grief endured after Michael Brown's death, will there be justice?

A Day of Mourning

written by Ayden Emir Harryman, Sophomore Terra, Class of 2016

“Today we mourn the loss of our people. Today, we begin to bring them home. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Today we stand with you, united as one,” said Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday, 22nd of August, 2014, to the families as their loved ones, the first 20 out of 43 Malaysians who were killed in the MH17 incident arrived home. 

Friday was the first time Malaysia has declared a national day of mourning for all citizens. It was a day in which people from all over Malaysia mourned and prayed for those who passed away on board flight MH17.

It was clear that people everywhere in the country were participating in this national day of mourning. Flags were flown at half mast, special prayers in mosques were held, schools held special assemblies and events. Cempaka was one of those schools - students from both Damansara and Cheras campuses came together to witness the arrival of the first twenty remains of the 43 Malaysians killed when the plane was shot down. A minute of silence was held throughout Malaysia at 10.55 am. 

It was a day where Malaysians stood together no matter what race, gender or religion to pray and mourn the losses of their beloved family members and fellow Malaysians. People lined the roads and streets as the Hearses drove by, conducting prayers and standing in respect and patriotism at their fallen countrymen.

The MH17 tragedy has opened the eyes of many,especially those with family or friends in the airline industry. While it was undoubtedly one of the most tragic events in our country's history, this disaster has uncannily brought all of us closer together as a nation, and shown the world the united and loving nature of Malaysia. We citizens will never forget the MH17 tragedy, and the spirit of all the unfortunate victims will remain in our hearts for eternity from generation to generation, because simply put, that's what makes us Malaysian.