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Lessons between shifts: My days at Ezy Cafe

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Lessons between shifts: My days at Ezy Cafe

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Name: Aryssa binti Azri

Matrics no: A189578

Date: Aug 25th - Aug 31st

Assalamualaikum & hi everyone! :’)

It feels a little surreal to say this, but we’ve finally reached the end of our elective posting journey. Looking back at these past four weeks, I can see how much I (and all my friends too) have grown, not just in learning new skills but also in discovering the little things that made this experience so memorable. What started off as just another “requirement” turned out to be a chapter filled with lessons, challenges, laughter, and friendships I didn’t expect to find.

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Looking back at these four weeks, I can confidently say that this project has given me more than I expected. From handling the cashier to managing reviews and even stepping into kitchen logistics, I gained a real taste of what it takes to run daily operations. Along the way, I naturally picked up lessons on hygiene, teamwork, and even time management, often without realizing it until I reflected at the end of each day. The challenges pushed me to adapt quickly, and the experiences from each week layered together to give me a full picture of how a busy F&B setting actually works.

2. What have I enjoyed or liked the most about the project

One thing that stood out to me is how lessons between F&B and healthcare overlap. On the surface, they seem worlds apart, but both fields demand clear communication, teamwork under pressure, and the ability to multitask while staying calm. For example, handling a rush hour at the cafe reminded me of managing busy ward rounds, different settings, but the same need for coordination and efficiency.

On a deeper level though, what truly made this project meaningful were the people I met. The friendships built here went beyond the shifts. We laughed, shared stories, watched movies together after work, and even celebrated each other’s last days with simple farewell parties. Those little moments made the long hours feel lighter and the experience unforgettable. We’ve promised to keep in touch, plan weekend trips, and stay connected even if our paths go different ways.

And of course, my “not-so-tiny” favourite part of the cafe has to be our warden, Bulat. She’s been here longer than most, loved by everyone; staff, managers, even customers, and honestly became part of what made the cafe feel like home.

3. What have I found challenging about this project

At first, fitting in was the hardest part. There were so many small steps to remember, from handling payments, responding to customer complaints, to knowing exactly what to do when unexpected situations popped up. As the weeks went on, my responsibilities also grew, which was overwhelming at times. But with every challenge came a chance to grow, and now I actually wish I had more time here to learn and get even better at it.

4. What has really worked

One thing I believe worked really well was the Google review system with a weekly tracker. It gave everyone, full timers and part timers alike, a sense of contribution to the cafe’s reputation without needing long-term observation. To keep it effective, simple rules like “only 5-star reviews count” could be added, which would help boost the brand image further.

On top of that, I was able to contribute beyond my role, from replying to reviews (especially the not-so-nice ones) to helping manage durian sales online. My boss also entrusted me with writing a simple SOP for the tasks I handled, which grew out of my own nightly checklist for cashier closing. I made it just to speed up my routine and get home earlier, but it turned out to be useful for future staff too, reducing mistakes and standardizing the workflow. That felt like a small but meaningful impact I could leave behind.

5. What can be improved in this project

I think it would help if students could have a proper consultation session with lecturers or supervisors before the elective period starts. It was tough to choose between different options at the beginning, and clearer guidance might have made it easier to set more focused objectives.

Another point for enhancement would be allowing more flexibility during the posting, so students can rotate through more departments of the cafe and experience the work at a deeper level rather than just skimming the surface.

All in all, this elective has been a truly valuable journey. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity, the lessons learned, and especially the people who turned this posting into something so much more than just work.

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1) Deepak Chandran, A195193, 25/8/25-31/8/25

2) Yes, I can definitely say beyond a shadow of doubt that the objectives of the project were fulfilled. As detailed before, my objectives were to improve my soft skills such as communication. These 4 weeks of me working as a nutritionist have vastly enabled me to improve my communication skills as I had the opportunity to converse with people of all types of races and backgrounds. I was able to learn new phrases and words in Malay and Mandarin that would enable me to converse with not only patients in the future but also people in general with more ease.

3) What I enjoyed or liked most about this project was I was granted the opportunity to learn so many new things while at the same time meet so many interesting people. I was able to learn new phrases and terms in both Mandarin and Malay while at the same time meet retired doctors, lawyers and teachers. They told me stories of their past that were eye-opening and showered me with advice regarding my own future.

4) Overall, this project was not challenging for me in the grand scheme of things. However, as mentioned before, the most challenging thing was trying to handle rude customers while trying to be professional. The customers who were from China were very rude as they would talk very loudly and not listen to explanations. They would like to do as they please no matter what and this would test my patience.

5) What worked well was the teamwork and combined effort of my colleagues and I. We were all supportive of each other and were always covering for each other whenever needed. Without the continuous camaraderie, it would not have been such a joyful and energetic experience. My colleagues were definitely an unexpected surprise in terms of how they managed to lighten the mood and maintain the joyous energy throughout the whole project.

6) In my opinion, there is only one thing that can be improved in this project, namely the planning of the event. The event manager should have accounted for the increased foot traffic on the weekends, especially considering it was the Merdeka Day weekend. There were so many customers yet so little space for them to walk through the booth. Hence, it was so hectic and crowded that it made the roadshow feel like we were in the middle of a busy night market.

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Wrapping Up My Journey at Meokja Korean Food Cafe☘️

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Wrapping Up My Journey at Meokja Korean Food Cafe☘️

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Name: Nurul Lyana Binti Mohd Hafiz

Matric Number: A185593

Date: 25th - 31st August 2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, looking back at the four weeks of this elective posting, I truly feel that the objectives were successfully fulfilled. At the beginning, I was unsure of what to expect but by the end of this journey, I have gained so many new skills. From customer service, teamwork and communication, to learning how the front of house system runs in a real cafe. I managed to try different roles such as being a waiter, handling the cashier, doing opening and closing duties, barista and even being part of the family day activities. All of which gave me a well rounded experience.

Not only did I learn technical skills but I also improved personally by becoming more confident, adaptable and able to work under pressure. These lessons were exactly in line with the objectives of the project which aimed to provide hands on learning exposure to the F&B industry and development of soft skills that will be useful in the future.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed the most throughout this project was the teamwork and sense of family at Meokja Cafe. Every day, even when the shifts were long and tiring, we found ways to support each other. I especially loved the moments when we laughed while doing chores together or when we cheered each other up during busy rush hours. The family day at Lumut was the highlight for me. Two days and one night filled with fun activities like barbecue, tug of war at the beach and group games that really brought all four branches together (Lapaq, Meokja Cafe Seberang Jaya, Elly Melly Cafe and Meokja Cafe Puncak Alam).

During family day, I also had the chance to get to know the bosses and the heads of the organization better. Listening to how Meokja started as a home cooked food delivery and grew into four branches was inspiring and motivated me to always work hard toward my own goals. That experience made me realize that this project wasn’t just about learning work routines but also about building bonds and feeling like part of something bigger.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of this project was definitely the long and packed schedules. Unlike the earlier weeks, Week 3 and 4 were especially tough because there were no off days for us in Week 3 and Week 4 remained very busy as well. Standing for long hours, managing customers during peak times and making sure every order was accurate really tested my stamina and patience.

Another challenging part was working at the cashier. Handling cash might seem simple but in reality, it requires speed, accuracy and a lot of attention to detail. There were moments when customers wanted split payments or when I made small mistakes in calculating change which were stressful situations. On top of that, dealing with negative feedback from customers was never easy. I had to learn how to apologize sincerely, stay professional and even handle refund situations. These challenges taught me resilience and problem solving skills that I will carry forward.

4. What has really worked?

One of the things that really worked well throughout this project was the teamwork and communication between staff. Even though the cafe was sometimes understaffed, we managed to cover each other’s responsibilities by communicating clearly and supporting one another. For example, when handling customer complaints, we always discussed as a team how to improve the service so the same mistake would not happen again.

Another part that worked well was the way we created a fun environment despite the busy schedules. Small things like turning on music during closing, joking with each other or even enjoying meals together after shifts helped reduce stress and kept us motivated. This positive teamwork made the work lighter and helped us serve customers more effectively.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One thing that could be improved is the training for new roles such as cashier or barista. While I eventually learned how to handle the cashier, it was through trial and error at first, which was stressful during peak hours. A short training session before starting those roles would give new staff more confidence and reduce mistakes.

Another improvement could be in customer feedback management. While we did collect feedback as cashiers and waiters, there wasn’t always a structured way to record or track those suggestions. Having a simple feedback logbook or digital system would allow the management to review comments regularly and make adjustments more quickly. This could really help maintain customer satisfaction and continuously improve the quality of service and food at Meokja Cafe. Overall, these improvements could make the project run more smoothly while keeping staff more energized and motivated.

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Name:Lim Yuan Qian

matric no :A194837

Date:24/8/2025-30/8/2025

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, I am very glad to say that the objectives of my project were fulfilled. Over the course of these 4 weeks, I had the valuable opportunity to observe, learn, and discuss with my supervisors (yishi) in different specialties. Through these experiences, I was able to deepen my understanding of how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works in practice, while also comparing it with Western medical approaches in managing patients. This gave me a more complete view of integrative healthcare.

In particular, I managed to observe acupuncture, herbal medicine, and their use across multiple specialties such as cardiology, dermatology, oncology, hepatobiliary medicine, and urology. I was able to learn in detail how TCM practitioners tailor their treatment according to the individual’s condition, lifestyle, and overall balance, and I compared this with the disease-based approach of Western medicine. These meaningful discussions with my supervisors allowed me to achieve my objective of understanding how both systems can complement each other to improve patient care.

The only part of my objective that was not fully completed was regarding Qi Gong.Because of the nature of Qi Gong practice itself, where sessions are kept private between the Qi Gong shi and the patient. I was allowed to observe from outside, but since Qi Gong is based on appointments, the practitioners and patients were often busy, and I lacked sufficient time to communicate with them in detail. Despite this limitation, I was still able to gain some insight into its role and appreciate its importance within the holistic framework of TCM.

Overall, I am very satisfied that the project objectives were achieved, as I not only gained theoretical and observational knowledge, but also had the chance to actively discuss and reflect with my supervisors about the similarities and differences between Western medicine and TCM, which has greatly enhanced my understanding of integrative healthcare.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most about this project was the opportunity to openly discuss and exchange perspectives with different TCM practitioners. These discussions allowed me to understand not only how TCM works in practice, but also how patients have more options to choose from when both Western and TCM approaches are considered together.

I particularly enjoyed the direct observation of TCM specialists in practice, especially seeing how acupuncture and herbal prescriptions were individually tailored to each patient. This gave me a clearer understanding of the reasoning behind TCM diagnoses and the personalized care it emphasizes. I also appreciated learning about the integration of TCM with patient lifestyle and cultural practices, which provided me with valuable insight into holistic care.

Another aspect that touched me deeply was seeing how the yishi genuinely cared for their patients. They did not limit themselves to one option, but instead encouraged patients to consider different approaches to achieve the best outcome. I was also inspired by their strong desire to share their knowledge selflessly to help others, which was something I did not fully expect at the beginning of the posting. This sincerity and dedication left a lasting impression on me.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of the project was adapting to the conceptual differences between Western medicine and TCM. TCM is grounded in unique frameworks such as Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements, which do not have direct equivalents in Western medical science. Although language was not a problem, the concepts themselves were difficult to grasp at first. I often felt that I needed to temporarily set aside my prior biomedical knowledge in order to truly understand how TCM theories interconnect — for example, how acupuncture points are linked, or how the balance of Yin and Yang relates to disease.

Another challenge was my limited exposure to Qi Gong. Although I was able to observe it from outside, I could not fully participate in or engage with the Qi Gong shi as sessions are appointment-based and practitioners were often very busy. This reduced my opportunity to understand the exercise and movement-based aspect of TCM in depth.

4. What has really worked?

One of the best aspects of this project was the structured observation across different departments, which allowed me to see how TCM principles are applied in a variety of specialties. For example, in cardiology, I learned about herbal interactions with warfarin, while in dermatology, I observed the use of topical herbal treatments.

The combination of case discussions and clinical observation also worked very well. These experiences helped me connect theory with practice and gave me a more balanced perspective. In addition, I greatly valued the chance to discuss with yishi about how Western medicine treats certain conditions and how TCM could provide complementary support. For example, in oncology, I learned that TCM practitioners may prescribe herbs to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, aiming to protect normal cells while enhancing the targeted effects against cancer cells. Which expanded my understanding beyond textbook knowledge.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One area for improvement would be to allow more time for deeper exploration, especially of Qi Gong and herbal medicine, as my elective posting was relatively short. This meant that much of my learning was at the surface level, and I was not able to engage in more detailed practice-based learning.

Another improvement would be to include a structured comparison framework between TCM and Western medicine, which would help bridge the conceptual gap and make it easier to integrate both perspectives.

Finally, I believe that if I had more prior knowledge about specific diseases, I would have been able to hold even richer discussions with the yishi. This would have given me the chance to gain more in-depth insights into TCM approaches for different clinical conditions.

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EP WEEK 4: Participation in Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak Workshop

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EP WEEK 4: Participation in Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak Workshop

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nur Athirah Binti Maslil

Matric Number: A187833

Date: 18/8/2025 - 22/8/2025

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were fulfilled. I joined a 3-day sewing workshop where I had to make a Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak on my own, with minimal guidance from the teacher. This time, I was given a briquette fabric to work with, which was much easier to handle compared to satin. By the end of the workshop, I successfully completed the garment and received a certificate during the closing ceremony on the third day.

3. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed the challenge of sewing independently without relying too much on the teacher. It tested how much I had learned throughout the past three weeks. I also enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the workshop, as most of the participants were women aged between 20–50 years old. They had such unique personalities, and even though they were professional tailors and much faster than me, it was fun and inspiring to learn alongside them.

4. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The most challenging part was remembering all the small details that could affect the whole baju kurung if forgotten, such as finishing seams properly or aligning fabric pieces correctly. I felt scared and anxious at times, especially when comparing myself to the experienced tailors around me. However, I managed to overcome my fear and stay focused.

5. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

What really worked was my persistence and the teacher’s kindness in guiding me when I needed help. The easier briquette fabric also made the sewing process smoother and faster, so I could concentrate more on accuracy rather than struggling with the material.

6. What can be improved in this project?

I think I can still improve my speed and confidence when working independently. Even though I managed to complete the garment, I took longer than the professional tailors. With more practice, I hope to sew more efficiently while keeping my stitches neat and consistent.

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Elective posting- Week 4

Nur Ain Ashikin binti Bobby Herman

A193842

25/8/25 - 31/8/25

For week 4 I start my plan to sew an abaya cardigan. It is just a cardigan but really long until it reaches your knees. This is my special request to my teacher as I really want a new cardigan. I really like to wear my old abaya cardigan everywhere I go but I dont want to buy a new one cause it is so so expensive.

First I need to choose the perfect fabrics for it, my teacher recommend me to buy a chiffon fabrics but I dont like it as it is sheer or semi transparent so when I went to the fabrics store I went around and look at all the fabrics then I found the perfect fabrics for my cardigan which is a jojo crepe. Crepe tends to hang beautifully, making it suitable for dresses and flowy garments. Which is the looks that im planning for.

Then I just use my original clothe pattern that has my measurements to make the cardigan. I just need to extend the length untill it reaches my ankle. Then I trace the pattern onto the fabrics and pin down the fabrics pieces. After that can we cut the fabrics. The specialty of the crepe fabrics is that we dont need to iron it so it saves me a lot of time.

Then I plan with my teacher which part to sew first and what sewing techniques to use. With that we decided to do a double fold hemstitch that dont need to use the hemstitch machine. After that I start sewing from the shoulder first then I connected the neck part. Then Came the connection between the body part and the arm. For this step I greatly improved as I only need to redo it 2 times instead of many times like the previous blouse. Then I just need to do a straight sew to finish all the other parts. It is relatively easy but takes a lot of time as the fabrics is longer and a bit challenging to rip the seam if I made mistakes as the fabrics is black and my thread is black. So I really need to focus not to rip my fabrics.

But it all went smoothly and I was able to finish it in only one week. It is such a great improvement for me. 🩷

My teacher did a little farewell party for me and the other seamstress were sad to see me leave as they saw me as their own children. I also give a little gift for my teacher too and I recieve a certificate from her. It was such a sad but enjoyable last day for me at the class.

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes I have fulfilled all my objectives

The first one would be learning hand sewing and how to use sewing machines. For this my teacher has thought me how to easily do hand sewing and now I can skillfully handle a sewing machine. Before this im always afraid of sewing machine cause it is always potrayed as a dangerous machine in horror movie but its really not dangerous and easy to use. I have know how to put the top and bottom thread onto the machine and also I can change the adjustment easily on the machines.

Next would be on learning how to cut fabric correctly according to clothe pattern. Now im not afraid to cut the fabrics as im confident in my measuring skill and my clothe pattern. The clothe pattern is also easy to make once you understand the measurements and shape for the garments. As I said before one clothe pattern could make various types of garments so it makes life easier.

Lastly would be sewing clothes with the right technique, until the clothes are ready to wear. I have finished sewing a ready to wear blouse, skirt and abaya cardigan all with the right technique and sewing style. The blouse and skirt use a different sewing style then the cardigan as the latter dont need to hemstitch or 'jahit tepi' as the blouse and skirt needed 'jahit tepi'. We only need to to a double fold hemstitch that dont need a specific hemstitch machine.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I liked the most is when I finished sewing my garment and seeing it having the same shape as the clothe in store. It makes me really proud to see that I can sew the same clothe as the clothe that I saw in store that is expensive. I am most proud of my abaya cardigan because if I want to buy it outside it could cost me up to RM 200 but I just bought the fabrics for RM 45 and I get the same look. I also wore the cardigan to my sister's casual pre convo shoot as a memento.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The most hardest part for me is sewing the rounded part of the armpit. It takes time and skill to do it in one try. Another rounded sewing that I made is when I sew the skirt band onto the skirt. That was challenging as well cause we need rounded stitches and also I need to pull on the band.

The other one would be the drive to the class. But as weeks go by my driving skills is a little bit better and now im more confident in driving in the city.

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

My sewing skills has really improved over the weeks as I went from not knowing how it works and being scared of it to now I felt like I can sew anything with the machine. For that I would like to thanks my teacher as she has teach me well and wholeheartedly.

Also I would like to thanks the other student seamstress there as they were willing to accompany me through this journey and made the class atmosphere peaceful and enjoyable.

I applaud their spirit to be able to come to class despite all of them having thier own family and children.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I would like to improve my rounded sewing skill if I have the time as I really want to make my sewing skill perfect so that I can sew clothe for my family too.

I also want to improve in my techniqal skill in sewing special technique like sewing buttonholes, darts and pleats.

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Teal and Neutral Scrapbook Style Vision Board Photo Collage Portrait

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Beginning My Sweet Journey in Baking & Pastry

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Beginning My Sweet Journey in Baking & Pastry

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Name: Satvika Sree A/P Suresh

Matric No: A195162

Date: 07/08/25 - 09/08/25 (Week 4)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives were fulfilled. I managed to explore and learn different baking and dessert-making techniques each week, from basic cakes to more refined pastries and chilled desserts.

For Week 4, I focused on learning how to make panna cotta dessert cups. I explored two different types of panna cotta, one made with agar-agar (vegetarian) and another with gelatin (non-vegetarian) with each producing a slightly different texture. I experimented with various cup designs, flavour combinations, and fruit toppings to create visually appealing and flavourful desserts.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

In general, I enjoyed the process of learning step-by-step and seeing my skills improve with each recipe. It was satisfying to see the final products and receive feedback from my mentor.

For Week 4 specifically, I loved how panna cotta is elegant yet simple to make, and I enjoyed experimenting with toppings like different tropical fruits and fresh berries to make it visually appealing.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

Overall, the most challenging part was perfecting textures. For example, getting cakes fluffy or cheesetarts creamy without cracking.

In Week 4, the challenge was ensuring the panna cotta was set properly without being too firm or too runny. Achieving the perfect balance of creaminess while keeping the flavour light took some trials.

4. What has really worked?

Generally, careful preparation and following proper techniques worked best for me. I found that practicing the recipe after learning it, and asking my mentor for tips, made a big difference.

In Week 4, my panna cotta turned out smooth, held its shape well, and the garnish elevated a nice touch to its presentation.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Overall, I feel that I could improve by managing my time more effectively across the entire project. At times, I tended to rush certain steps, such as cooling or chilling, which sometimes affected the texture of my desserts. For example, with the panna cotta, allowing it to set for the right amount of time would have ensured an even smoother texture and a more stable shape. By planning my schedule more carefully and allocating enough time for each stage, I can achieve better results while also enjoying the process without feeling pressured. This improvement would benefit not just specific recipes, but my overall growth in baking and pastry-making.

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Brewing dreams: a journey towards starting my own café

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Brewing dreams: a journey towards starting my own café

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Elective Posting Journal at Luxe Coffee Café

Week 4

Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nurwafa Aliaa Binti Roslan

Matric No.: A188682

Date: 3/8 to 9/8 (Week 4)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, and in a way that felt more like living the story of a café than simply achieving goals. From the first morning shift to the final closing duty, I experienced the rhythm of café life. I learned the flow of the day, from arranging pastries neatly before opening, to the lunchtime rush filled with the aroma of fresh espresso, to the softer afternoon hum when conversations lingered over coffee. I was not just observing; I was part of it.

I handled the cashier, chatted with customers, and picked up the small but crucial habits that keep a café running smoothly. Behind the counter, I learned the craft of beverages. My confidence grew with each espresso shot, each frothed milk, and each whisked matcha. Even when my latte art came out imperfect, every attempt was a chance to improve, and sometimes a simple smile from a customer was enough to feel successful.

This posting also gave me lessons beyond technical work. I learned how to multitask while staying calm, how to rely on teammates during rush hours, and how to communicate clearly under pressure. Challenges like fixing a mistaken order or spotting an expired cake at the last minute taught me the importance of staying attentive no matter how busy things became. Along the way, I found myself imagining what my own café might one day look like, inspired by the lessons and small details I noticed each day.

By the end of the four weeks, I knew my objectives had been fulfilled in ways I did not expect. I did not just learn how a café works, I lived the experience and grew more passionate about it.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

What I enjoyed most was the warmth of being part of something alive and full of energy. Every shift carried little joys, from the hiss of milk steaming just right to the cheerful thank you of a satisfied customer. My favourite moments were behind the counter, where I explored the art of coffee and matcha drinks. I will always remember the first time I poured milk into an espresso and saw a faint heart form. It was far from perfect, but for me it felt like a tiny victory, and my colleagues cheered as though I had won a competition.

The bond with my teammates was also something I truly valued. We shared laughs, learned from each other, and sometimes went live on the café’s social media to promote drinks. Those small, everyday moments of working together, wiping tables, or joking while preparing orders made the café feel like a second home. What I loved most was not only making drinks or serving customers, but creating little memories of connection and teamwork that I know will stay with me long after this posting.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
The biggest challenge came during peak hours, when orders piled up and everything had to move quickly. I often found myself switching between taking orders, preparing drinks, and restocking supplies all within minutes. It was like a fast-paced dance where every step had to be right.

The toughest moments, however, were when ingredients unexpectedly ran out. Fresh milk, chicken flour, vegetables, and even cups or straws sometimes finished faster than expected. On those days, I had to rush to the supermarket, buy everything in a hurry, and return to the café so customers would not wait too long. Carrying heavy bags back and immediately jumping into service again was exhausting, but it showed me the importance of quick problem-solving in this line of work.

Fatigue was another challenge. Long hours on my feet tested both my stamina and focus, and one afternoon I nearly served an expired cake before catching it in time. Experiences like these reminded me that café work requires both energy and sharp attention to detail. Though difficult, these challenges were the very moments that pushed me to grow stronger.

4. What has really worked?
What worked best was how quickly we became a team. After just a few days, we could almost anticipate each other’s moves. If I took orders, someone else prepared drinks, while another restocked supplies without being asked. That unspoken rhythm made even the busiest hours manageable.

We also handled unexpected shortages effectively. I remember one crowded Saturday when milk and cups ran out at the same time. While I rushed to the supermarket, my teammates rearranged orders so that drinks not requiring milk went out first. By the time I returned, customers were still being served, and the service flow continued smoothly. That adaptability was one of our greatest strengths.

On a lighter note, I realised I was eating more than usual during lunch breaks. The hard work kept me hungry, but it was also because of Kak Syakila, our main chef. Her cooking was always delicious, and her meals felt like the perfect recharge before continuing the shift. These little things, combined with the joy of creating neat rows of lattes and matcha drinks, made the experience deeply rewarding.

5. What can be improved in this project?
I believe the planning stage could be improved by having a direct consultation with the lecturer before the placement begins. Meeting in person to explain my choice of Luxe Coffee Café and receiving advice on areas to focus on would make the objectives clearer and more meaningful from the start.

Another area for improvement is the barista training itself. Since most of my tasks were centred around customer service and pastries, I had limited time to develop coffee-making skills in depth. With more structured opportunities to practise or the chance to attend a short workshop alongside the placement, I could have built a stronger foundation in this area.

Even so, I am thankful for everything I experienced at Luxe Coffee Café. The lessons, challenges, and memories I gained will remain valuable as I continue learning and pursuing my goals.

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1. Name: Nur Hana Amirah binti Abu Hassan

Matric Number: A195054

Date: 28/7/2025-3/8/2025 (Week 4)

2. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled

Yes, the objectives were fulfilled. Over the four weeks, I successfully transitioned from a complete beginner to being able to independently create functional pottery pieces, completing 4 unique cups with different designs up to the underglaze stage. Although I could not personally complete the glazing and firing process due to time constraints, my supervisor will apply a clear glaze and fire them at the correct temperature to ensure the colors remain intact and it is food safe.

This elective also helped me meet my personal growth objectives. Through repetitive practice, I developed patience, discipline, and attention to detail which are qualities that were crucial in tasks such as centering clay and achieving symmetry. I also improved my interpersonal and communication skills by working closely with my instructor, seeking feedback, and assisting in a pottery workshop in Penang, which gave me exposure to teaching methods, group management, and event planning.

Furthermore, this experience allowed me to reflect on transferable skills such as time management, adaptability, and problem-solving that will be invaluable in my future clinical practice as a medical professional.

3. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

The most enjoyable aspect was working with clay on the wheel where I can feel the transformation of clay from a rough lump to a functional piece was incredibly satisfying. I particularly enjoyed designing my own cups, experimenting with different forms, and applying underglazes to personalize each piece.

Assisting my supervisor in the Penang matcha bowl workshop was another highlight. It was exciting to help guide 16 participants in a 2-hour interactive session, witnessing how pottery can foster a sense of community and shared learning. This experience broadened my understanding of pottery as more than just an art form, it's also a means of connecting with people and sharing knowledge.

4. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging aspect was mastering wheel-throwing techniques, especially centering and maintaining symmetry when pulling up the walls. These steps required physical strength, coordination, and endurance, leaving me sore after long practice sessions. The trimming part was also challenging as it requires experience and patience to figure out the right trimming tools and ensure they are not overtrimmed and thus becoming brittle and not usable.

Another challenge was embracing the unpredictability of pottery. Even well-crafted pieces can crack, warp, or change unexpectedly during drying, trimming and firing. This taught me to accept imperfections as part of the process, a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability.

5. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)

Several strategies contributed to my progress:

- Repetition and structured practice allowed me to refine my technical skills steadily.
- Regular feedback sessions with my supervisor helped me correct my hand positioning, improve my posture, and refine my designs.
- Active participation beyond studio work, such as assisting with workshop preparations and supporting the event itself, enriched my learning by exposing me to the business and teaching aspects of pottery.

6. What can be improved in this project?

If I had more time, I would have liked to:

- Increased supervisor-led feedback: More frequent check-ins during independent practice could accelerate skill correction and prevent bad habits.

- Complete the glazing and firing process myself, to fully understand how heat and glaze chemistry affect the final product.
- Experiment with more complex forms, such as plates or teapots, to expand my technical abilities.

Additionally, I could improve my time allocation by balancing design exploration with technical practice earlier on, allowing for faster skill development.

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the elective posting were successfully fulfilled. I gained hands-on exposure to pharmacy operations, from medication labeling and stock management to prescription handling and customer service. This experience helped me apply my theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, enhanced my confidence, and gave me a better understanding of a pharmacist’s role in the community.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed learning about real-life medication use and getting familiar with a wide range of drugs and their indications. I also really liked engaging with customers and observing how pharmacists provide counseling. Being trusted to assist with tasks such as labeling, restocking, and OTC advice (under supervision) made me feel involved and responsible.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

One of the challenges was memorizing the names, dosages, and uses of so many medications, especially those that are less commonly used. Another challenge was adapting to the fast-paced environment during busy hours while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. But with practice and guidance, I was able to improve over time.

4. What has really worked?

Learning directly by doing and being part of the daily pharmacy workflow worked really well. The staff’s willingness to guide me patiently made the experience smooth and enjoyable. My personal habit of taking notes, asking questions, and reflecting at the end of each day also helped reinforce everything I learned.

5. What can be improved in this project?

It would be helpful if there was a clear checklist or daily learning target to ensure we cover all areas evenly. More structured mini briefings or informal Q&A sessions with the pharmacist would also enhance understanding. Other than that, the experience was well-rounded and very beneficial.