Cheer 2011 champions and worthies

Finally, I've viewed performance videos of Cheer 2011!

I wasn't aware that the Cheer competition for this year was a one-day event. Psychology of the competition was changed - teams only had once chance to make it and they gave their best shot at their only chance.

A new introduction to the competition is the Co-ed category for boys' team. Historically, cheerleading was started by boys. Today, cheerleading for boys has another set of expectations compared with girls; this new category is added to accommodate this difference.

Here are the videos I've picked:

Champion: Cyrens of SM Sri KL


Having made a surprise by winning the competition in 2010, they were successful in defending their title. Awesome!

First runner-up: Rayvens of SM Sri KL



Being a newcomer, shooting their way to the 2nd place is more than what I ask for Best Newcomer Award, if it was awarded this year.

Second runner-up: Titans of SMJK Ave Maria Convent



Fourth place: Calyx All-Girls of Catholic High School


Fifth place: Muriel of Pudu Girls' School


I was expecting the use of Kpop songs last year and here it is! Check out Muriel's use of Mr. Taxi and Run Devil Run by Girls' Generation aka SNSD.

6th place: Stompers SMK Bandar Utama 3


I've also watched Blitzerz of SMK Bandar Utama 4


In my opinion, the absolute standard of cheerleading in Malaysia has raised and witnessed the emergence of "new generation powerhouses". It's noteworthy to observe that the best people are present in Rayvens, the junior team of Sri KL. The dynamics of Cheer is now altered again.

Let's check out the boys' performance tomorrow!

After School Red: In the Night Sky

Which concept do you like, the summery AS Blue or the sexy AS Red?

After watching comeback stage of AS Red on this song, I felt disappointed 'cause the concept of AS Red wasn't well potrayed. The song simply ruined the sexy concept intended for the subunit. Instead I like simple dance steps and the intimate tone of Wonder Boy by AS Blue.

A primer of dinner with Teresa Kok MP

Was at Dragon Boat Restaurant, Little Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD for a business dinner with Teresa Kok and her presentation of Selangor as investment destination.

The dinner cost me quite a bit but I feel it was worth it. Teresa presented about economic opportunities in Selangor, especially the growing sectors namely aerospace, automobile and biotechnology industries.


It was an eight-course dinner. Made me satiated.


So this is Teresa Kok MP. I'm glad that she came to see Malaysians abroad and tell us what's happening at home.


I bought a paperback copy of Tony Pua's The Tiger that Lost its Roar to learn more about the Malaysian economy.

Cheer 2011 quick videos

This year, I did not return to Malaysia to enjoy the annual high school cheerleading competition but I'm still interested to know about the competition for this year.

Here are two quick videos posted from The Star's channel:

Titans won third place in Cheer 2011


Cyrens retained their title


I miss the days when I carried a notepad around in the competition to record the results as they were announced.

Shall write more about Cheer 2011, no doubt I'm relying on write-ups from sources this time.

2NE1: Hate You

The MV is fully animated. The song depicts a girl's anger at a man not worthy of her love and calls for an end to their relationship.

*the MV is subbed for your convenience

Mr. Taxi Korean version!

Have a first listen to Girls' Generation Mr. Taxi in Korean, performed during 2011 Girls' Generation Tour in Seoul Olympic Statium.

Deportation of French lawyer William Bourdon

William Bourdon (pictured) explained about progress of French investigation into the Scorpene submarine purchase scandal in Penang. Then, he was detained for more than four hours at Kuala Lumpur International Airport when his flight touched down.

He was asked to sign deportation papers in Malay. Most probably he don't understand Malay. Taking action against a person but denying information to him/her due to language barrier is a violation of human right. It's funny to hear that they're doing this on a human rights lawyer, furthermore Malaysia is sitting on the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.

The authorities refused to acknowledge that William is acting as a lawyer for Suaram; his detention hinder him from performing his job as a lawyer. This is an outright disrespect of the legal profession.

Something juicy must be inside the Scorpene submarine purchase deal. So, just sit back and follow the news :)

Related links:
French lawyer to be deported tonight - Malaysia Today
Scorpene scandal: Truth to surface soon - Free Malaysia Today
French Scorpene lawyer detained at KLIA - The Malaysian Insider via Malaysia Today
Scorpene lawyer deported, RM 16b in defence deal quizzed - The Malaysian Insider via Malaysia Today
Scorpene lawyer deported for visa violation - Free Malaysia Today
Bourdon's detention 'puts Malaysia back in limelight' - Malaysia Today
‘Bourdon deported because he knew too much’ - Free Malaysia Today

Cacao Green: premium frozen yoghurt in Melbourne

On 25th of June 2011, I attended Nuffnang Food Bloggers meet up at Cacao Green to try out frozen yoghurt.


Toppings to choose include nuts and fruits.


Blueberry waffle. Very filling and delicious.


Frozen yoghurt: French strawberry with nutty toppings.


This is a Japanese green tea flavoured froyo.


Organic Brazillian chocolate 60%.

Where to find it?

Cacao Green
285 Swanston Street
(cnr Swanston & Lonsdale Streets)
Melbourne
3000 Victoria
Australia

Phone: +613 96549674

Opening hours:
10 am - 10 pm Sunday-Wednesday
10 am - 11 pm Thursday-Saturday

No GMO allowed? Think again

Many European countries ban genetically modified organisms (GMO), regardless of whether the gene inserted are good or bad. Let's see what happen if ancient civilizations had the same policy...




Background: Most of the wheat species today are hybrids, in other words their genomes are mixed up, making them the earliest example of genetically modified organisms. Not all GMO are evil provided that you know what you're doing!

Source: Stripped Science at Nature.com Blogs

Technorati tags: genetics, genomics, agriculture, egypt, biotechnology

The true spirit of friendship

Graduation news of Raja Sara, the daughter of Raja Petra Kamaruddin immediately drew congratulations from readers of Malaysia Today. I feel proud too for her achievement of finishing studies in university.

However news of her graduation immediately drew a personal attack from a fellow member of the ruling party, United Malays National Organisation. The hate letter, written in broken Malay, was posted prominently as an entry on the news site. For an attack, uncalled for to be featured prominently under the limelight, I am sure that Raja Petra has his purpose of doing so and he has indeed achieved it.

The purpose of showing us the hate mail was to show us how lowly people can be.

I was appalled by the fact - how can a person, well educated from a prominent institution mentioned in national history, the Malay College Kuala Kangsar, writes such a derogatory piece. The Malay College was a secondary school meant for the royalty and elites, but now admits commoners.

Personal attacks are unwelcomed in the first place; using blood relatives for the purpose of personal attack is worse & should be out of bound.

Raja Petra responded to this personal attack like a well-educated person would. He pointed out how another schoolmate, behaved in the true spirit of friendship, visited Raja Petra in Manchester, putting friendship first and difference of political affiliation second, or even last. He quoted graduate attributes of the school and concluded that "MCKK (Malay College Kuala Kangsar) has failed you terribly and what the founding fathers hoped MCKK would achieve has been lost on you. How MCKK failed you so miserably is beyond me and if this is what MCKK has produced, demonstrated by your comments (link). I can only conclude that an MCKK education has been wasted on you at a great loss to the taxpayers."

At this time, I have noticed my former schoolmates are starting to take their political stance, especially during this rough period of Malaysian politics. It's always tempting to react. When I read a status update from a fellow friend (a BERSIH supporter): "I saw you putting PATRIOT (the group affiliated with UMNO Youth) badge on your picture, I didn't unfriend you because you are still my friend."

That is the true spirit of friendship all of us should uphold to be the bigger person.

Girl's Day "Hug Me Once" interactive music video

Girl's Day "Hug Me Once" features simple lyric with catchy tunes. I'm so addicted to it!







Taking advantage of Youtube, an interactive music video was released. You get to try your hands on while viewing the video, choosing between song, dance and game modes.

The game mode takes you to dating scenes with each member of Girl's Day, all but they ended a little too soon. How will your experience end with each member? You need to click yourself to find out!



Each member sports their unique charms. Between Yura, Hyeri, Minah, Jihae and Sojin, which member do you like the most?

p.s. This interactive music video sort of reminded me of something... Aha! It's the Ronnie Got Lucky directed by Liew Seng Tat, which made you install Internet Explorer 8 to watch one of the scene. The video also uses interactive control to mediate outcome of storyline. Too bad it no longer exists :(

Peter Mac Discovery Partners program

Just came back from the launch of Discovery Partners at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in East Melbourne.



During the launch, Professor Joe Trepani, Executive Director of Cancer Research division at Peter Mac, mentioned that cancer survival rate has improved, thanks to active and ongoing research. This demonstrates how knowledge is changing and improving quality of life.

I have been contributing financially to research at the cancer research institute regularly for the past year. In return, Peter Mac recognise me as a Discovery Partner. As a Discovery Partner, I get to learn more about how my contribution translate into better outcomes in cancer treatment and making a difference in people.

Knowledge is power - scientists at Peter Mac are actively learning about cancer to find better ways of treating the disease. By contributing to research, you empower yourself and the future generations :)

Shall blog more about research at Peter Mac. Meanwhile, you can make a donation by following this link.

Raja Petra's daughter graduation from Middlesex University

This is written in the style of allkpop entries of Kpop celebs sharing their selcas.



Sara, the daughter of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications from Middlesex University.

Raja Petra Kamaduruddin, well known for his insightful opinion on Malaysian politics, currently runs a popular Malaysian alternative news portal Malaysia Today. He was seen attending her daughter's graduation with his wife, Marina.

Netizens commented, "Sara looks like a Minster of Trade or Minister of Moreign Affairs material", "Congratulations and you you have all the right to be proud and happy with you achievement" and "May the FORCE be with you"

Source + photo: Malaysia Today

After School Blue: Wonder Boy

After School, the eight-strong girl group split into two subunits to bring us more punch.


After School's Lizzy teases about her subunit.

The blue subunit debuts with an innocent and summery concept with their track "Wonder Boy"



Spot the white iPhone 4 in the MV :)

The song sings of a girl's developing feelings for a boy whom she formerly regarded as a friend, asking for a promise to love her forever.

Ibrahim Ali award?

I bumped into my university mate on the street. We began chatting on a few issues that concerned our common homeland.

She started mentioning about this Ibrahim Ali Leadership Award for students of Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia. The main criterion for the award is doing something that benefits your own race.

Wait a minute... doing something for one's own race? The award criterion is narrow-minded in this age. I shared that coming up with award criteria that outline benefit to one's own country is dropping in their degree of relevance, furthermore the influence of states is slowly diminishing. Globalisation is pushing for a borderless world, as people of the 21st century we have to adapt to working in varying geographical locations. Nation states will need to respond to changing needs and come up with policies relevant to the world today.

It's no longer about states. Corporations are slowly taking over the influence. Look at the multinationl companies - they are the modern empire now.

What award I think are the most relevant? Those that list benefit to humanity as a whole, without regard to race, nation and economic background.

And what do I think this Ibrahim Ali of Perkasa? He's just another guy who you can choose to ignore :)

Additional link:
UiTM offers Ibrahim Ali award to students

2NE1: I Am The Best Japanese version

The Japanese version retained the melody and arrangement but I don't feel this is as good as the earlier Korean version. I agree with fellow fans that substitution of some English verse has spoilt the song. Specifically, "Billion dollar baby" should have been retained.

I want to be an idol singer!

Meet Yen Ho, a participant of CMG Idol 2011.

3 months ago, I attended CMG Idol 2011 in spite of busy schedule for assignments. Then something unexpected fell on me - winning an iPod touch 8GB by lucky draw on that auspicious day.

Coming up from Chinese Music Group (CMG) of University of Melbourne will be an annual musical production titled MULAN 木兰少女. I am following this with high expectations so stay tuned on Biopolymath.net for more details.

Bersih 2.0 article on "The Economist" censored

I discussed about the recent Bersih 2.0 rally for free and fair elections with my university lecturer. When I returned and read Malaysia Today, I was surprised to read about censorship of "Taken to the cleaners" article on July 16th-21st issue of The Economist.

In the print edition of the magazine, heavy black permanent marker ink was applied by the Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs to censor part of the article reporting on the Bersih 2.0 rally on 9th of July in Kuala Lumpur.

Readers were not permitted to read that:

• One man died of heart attack
• The march was declared illegal, a stadium was offered as venue but later withdrawn
• Heavy handed approach by the police provoked anger
• An inquiry into police brutality was concealed by the government
• Video showing tear gas and water cannon at Tung Shin maternity hospital

An online version of the article is available intact on The Economist website.

I reproduced the full article with censored portion coloured red:

Political affray in Malaysia
Taken to the cleaners
An overzealous government response to an opposition rally
Jul 14th 2011 | SINGAPORE | from the print edition

MALAYSIA is one of South-East Asia’s stabler nations; but a rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 9th in demand of electoral reform turned surprisingly nasty, leading to the arrest of more than 1,600 people. The police fired tear gas and water cannon into the crowd, and one man died of a heart attack. All those arrested were released fairly quickly, but Amnesty International, a London-based human-rights group, called it “the worst campaign of repression in the country for years”. The government’s reaction showed a lot of nervousness about how much opposition it can tolerate.

In fact the crackdown started a few weeks ago after “Bersih 2.0” announced that it was going to stage the rally. Bersih, also known as The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections, is a loose alliance of NGOs and activists (bersih means “clean”). It argues that all candidates should be given access to the mainstream media and that indelible ink should be used to stop people voting more than once. It all sounds uncontroversial, but not to the government. Bersih was declared illegal on July 1st and about 200 activists were rounded up. The march itself was then banned, although the authorities offered Bersih a stadium to meet in—and then withdrew the offer.

Perhaps the government was looking back nervously to the first Bersih march, in 2007. On that occasion, too, thousands protested against the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government and demanded reform. Subsequently, in the 2008 general election, the BN lost its largest share of votes since 1957 when it started ruling the country after the British left. The current prime minister, Najib Razak, deputy prime minister in 2007 before taking over the top job in an internal party coup, must have feared that the second Bersih rally might be a similar portent. He has to hold an election before 2013, but wants to do so earlier to win his own mandate. Opposition politicians were quick to join Bersih. The pre-eminent leader of the opposition, Anwar Ibrahim, was shoved to the ground and injured in the affray.

None of this bodes well for Malaysia. The heavy-handed police tactics have provoked a lot of anger; the government has conceded an official investigation into claims of police brutality. In one instance (caught on film), police seemed to fire tear gas and water cannon into a hospital where protesters were sheltering from a baton charge. Few old laws were left untouched in the attempt to round up suspects before the march. It was reported that 30 people arrested in Penang were investigated under Section 122 of the Penal Code for the charge of waging war against the king. Dragging in the constitutional monarch, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, seemed particularly desperate, reminiscent of the abuse of the monarchy’s position in neighbouring Thailand. On the eve of the rally, the king came out with a statement reminding everyone that “street demonstrations bring more bad than good, although the original intention is good.”

Mr Najib defended the police and accused the marchers of sowing chaos. Dismissing the motives of Bersih, he cast it as a desperate attempt by Mr Anwar to grab power. The immediate upshot is that Mr Najib may choose to delay calling for an election for some time, to let things settle down. He presumably hopes that if he waits long enough, people will have forgotten about this ugly incident. But the longer-term effects are hard to judge. It might also help to unite a fractious opposition against what they portray as an assault on democracy.

I don't understand why Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia would take such measures providing that the original material is available on the Internet in full? This is really a 1980-ish mentality in the Information Age of 21st century. What's more, information censored from the article are well known by well connected Malaysians. Maybe they want to prevent kampung people from reading the article? I wonder which people from small town will ever pick a copy of such magazine...

This is not the first time censorship of the magazine is happening in Malaysia. According to The Economist, Malaysia often censor articles deemed to offend Muslims. This time the censorship drew attention due to high impact of the Bersih 2.0 rally. The weekly has ranked Malaysia as the third country that practices censorship most, below India and China.

Additional links:
Censored: KDN blacks out the Economist - uppercaise
‘Economist’ report on Bersih rally ‘censored’ - Lim Kit Siang
Home Ministry censors Bersih article in The Economist - The Malaysian Insider
Censored: Magazine’s story on July 9 rally - Free Malaysia Today
Blacked out - Where The Economist is censored - The Economist

Good Bye Baby - miss A

Just found out from allkpop about this new hit song on the Korean music chart, Good Bye Baby.



What garnered attention and propelled it to the top of music charts is its catchy and fun lyric.



Lyric of the song tells a story of a confident girl who dumps her indifferent boyfriend, known for his infidelity.

Enjoy how the girls say goodbye to their playboy by clicking the play button :)

Discovery Needs Dollars rally at State Library lawn

12th of April, 2011

In light of federal budget cuts for medical research, scientists took to the streets to protest against it. The rally took place in front of the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne CBD.



The rally was held during one of the weekdays. After finishing my class for the day, I trammed to the city to participate in the rally.



What does budget cuts for medical research mean for student like me?



A reduction in research budget translates into fewer researchers, scarcity of grants, and ultimately, reduction in the number of research students. In other words, less scientists will be able to offer places for Honours and PhD projects.



Budget allocation in R&D is an investment into our future. New cures for disease come from the labs, not from your doctor's desk.



The sight of scientists protesting in their lab coats sends a strong signal to any that saw it.



Scientists are working behind the scenes to learn more about diseases and find treatments that could control progress of diseases, or even cure our suffering and pain.



Discoveries happen in the labs but they do not come cheap. To make them happen, highly qualified individuals are needed. Not forgetting that equipment and consumables in a medical research lab are expensive.


That's Professor Doug Hilton, Director of the famous Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

My lecturers were there too.


I met some geeky hot chics from the labs.


Looks like this mouse is unhappy over the budget cuts too.

Scientific research is an investment for a better life in the future. Discoveries need to be funded to make them useful. Whenever a budget is announced, I urge you to take note of the allocation for research & development (R&D). If you find anything detrimental in the budget, take action against it. You have the democratic right to do so.

Machine components + Sunset + iPhotography

Biorefresher 1: Machine components made using CNC



Computer numerical control (CNC) can be used to produce intricate parts inside a machine. You don't usually see them but they are important to make your life work! This technology is driving our lives everyday behind the scenes. Read more about my visit to the technology centre.

Biorefresher 2: Sunset shot prior to Energizer Night Strike



These props were prepared for the finale of the first night paintball tournament in Malaysia and South East Asia. They were painted specially to glow in the presence of ultraviolet light. Find out more about my experience watching the battle.

Biorefresher 3: iPad photography at Cacao Green food review



An iPad is a device with 101 uses! While enjoying the delicious frozen yoghurt, we don't forget to take shots of the food using any mean we have, including the celebrated iPad 2.

Catching up with the Kpop wave

4minute HyunA - Bubble Pop



Catchy and sexy

After School UEE - Sok Sok Sok



Like the MV since it taught me how to handle adversity with grace, not to be bound by limitations.

T-ara - Roly Poly



Takes me to the old times! Retro themes in Korean MVs is taking off eh?

Queen Elizabeth II in yellow - not a coincidence!

Remember Najib's visit to Europe after #Bersih2 rally?

The following photo drew a huge response on the Internet:



Many focused on the Queen's yellow dress when greeting Najib. An observant netizen took notice of the flowers in yellow. It's claimed that the Queen dress and decorate in pink as to greet foreign officials. But in yellow this time.

News sources have reported that the British Prime Minister, David Cameron and the Queen were briefed prior to receiving Najib. They were aware of the situation in Malaysia. Perhaps, this is their way of expressing disapproval to an embarrassing guest.

Someone with awesome photoshop skills come up with this:



Editing of photo has special terms now. Photoshop is used as an everyday verb, while usage of "doctor" emphasizes political objective(s) behind the photo editing.

Pantun Kenegaraan Baru

Memburu untung seekor walabi
Akan disembah kepada raja
Walau (parti) pemerintah saling bertukar ganti
Daulat negara tetap terpelihara

Hijauan hutan serempak tapir
Pergi maklum Indera Segara
Pemimpin wibawa bijak mentadbir
Perkasa rakyat makmur negara

Logam lembut kurang stabil
Masuk minyak berhenti mengurai
Menumbuk-rusuk jangan diambil
Itu punca hancur berkecai

Kofilin memintal aktin mematah
Hasilan ribosom di jasad Golgi
Ambil iktibar pecah perintah
Sentimen meradang semua merugi

Syair tuntutan BERSIH 2.0

i.

Gabungan BERSIH ingin ke mari
Datang ke kota berpanji-panji
Masuk Agong mencapai kompromi
Stadium Merdeka itu lokasi

Perdana Menteri mungkir janji
Tidak pernah sebegitu keji
Meski penganjur sudah berjanji
Rapat umum dengan hati suci

Datang menjelang tanggal istimewa
Mata-mata kubukan ibu negara
Lebuh-lebuh raya sesak merata-rata
Makian pemandu tidak terhingga

Ketat kawalan sekitar kota
Laungan "BERSIH" masih melanda
Tidak kira puak bangsa
Menuntut pilihan raya adil saksama

Polis sekat suruh bersurai
Jelas tidak perlu dihurai
Harap dipinjam angin berbelai-belai
Zarah pemedih dibiarkan berurai

Grenad pemedih dilancar bertubi-tubi
Air kimia kepekatan tinggi
Mara mata-mata dengan gari
Lintang-pukang bertempiaran lari

ii.

Perdana Menteri memperli-perli
Pemedih mata tiada komplikasi
Rakyat Palestin tersedut pernah mati
Terkilan melihat tersinggung di hati

Kerajaan sudah hilang kreditabiliti
Tidak percaya tanya saksi
Rakyat sayangkan ibu pertiwi
Akhiri rejim dengan mengundi

Najib joked and downplayed effect of tear gas

*translations provided in video in case you don't understand Malay

Just sit back and watch how the Prime Minister of Malaysia is the best stand up comedian of the year =)

Bersih 2.0 for Free and Fair Elections

Bersih2.0 rally in Melbourne.





Chanted "We want free and fair elections and we want it NOW!. Not later. Don't need to wait for the coming general election. Clean up the election machinery now.

The organiser also updated us with events in Kuala Lumpur. By the time, 600+ arrests were made. We responded "SHAME!"

Photo credits: Ryan Lye







Photo credits: Hon Ru Jiunn



The rally in Melbourne went smoothly. Attendance estimated to be 2000+. But I was constantly reading tweets to update myself back home, in Kuala Lumpur.

Our friends in Kuala Lumpur did not have the privilege of a peaceful rally. All violence were from the police. Downtown KL was turned into a war zone.




Water cannon fired into hospital compounds. Wait, it's a maternity hospital. The last thing you want is newborns suffered effects chemicals. Inhumane and unacceptable.









It's UMNO-BN who's behind all these police brutality during Bersih2.0 rally. Police is just one of the government machinery which the ruling party can use. They've forgotten that they're the very people who put them into power.

The heart of the capital was locked down. Massive traffic jams outside the city. Selected rail stations were closed to prevent protesters entering Merdeka Stadium. Tourists were wondering why shops were not open. Economic losses on that day estimated to be RM 1 billion.

Cacao Green, Light Hearts, The Malay Chronicles and timekeeping

Biorefresher 1: Cacao Green food review



Was invited to review Cacao Green at Swanston Street. The best frozen yoghurt in town!

Biorefresher 2: Australian premiere of Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa


Checked out this giant sculpture before the screening.

I am a Malaysian and proud of our home grown movie! Had a chance to watch Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa in Melbourne. The English title is called "The Malay Chronicles: Bloodlines". The screening took place at Australian Centre for Moving Images at Federation Square.


We had supper after the screening at Chili Padi, Melbourne Central.

Biorefresher 3: Being a timekeeper


On what occasion I became a timekeeper? Find out more!