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1) Deepak Chandran, A195193, 18/8/25-24/8/25

2) For my 3rd week, I was now hired to be a nutritionist for Nestle, specifically under the Enercal brand, which produces a milk that is specially formulated using a soy and whey blend targeting the elderly as it has a high protein and fibre content as well. My role under Enercal was for 2 whole weeks beginning from this week. My workplace now changed to 1utama, specifically the new wing level G concourse area. It was definitely more fun for me as 1utama is my favourite shopping mall due to its ease of access in terms of parking availability and restaurant variety and options. Hence, I was looking forward to working here for these 2 coming weeks.

For this job, I was a nutritionist along with one of my other colleagues. They required 2 nutritionists this time around as it was a much larger roadshow in a much larger mall with a large number of expected foot traffic. As per usual, our job was to explain to any customers who had any queries regarding things like the milk composition, ingredients and the nutritional benefits of the Enercal milk. Our team this time around was a lot bigger too, as we had a team of 11. There were promoters, milk samplers and nutritionists. It was definitely a more lively and fun experience as the 11 of us were hitting it off from the get go non stop.

3) This 3rd week was certainly more fun, lively and amusing for me. My colleagues made time flew the whole week and I was very happy knowing that my colleagues were always there joking around and having fun at all times.

In terms of the workload, it was certainly less for this Enercal roadshow as I was only tasked with explaining to customers instead of explaining and handling the health check station as well. This reduced work load was certainly a welcomed change for me as I enjoyed being less tired at the end of the day compared to being a nutritionist for Marigold.

4) I applied the skill of decision making throughout my EP journey when the customers were asking if the Enercal milk was sufficient as a meal replacement. Based on the milk's nutritional content along with the customer's daily lifestyle and diet, I would make a decision to advise the customer whether of not it would be suitable as either a meal replacement or supplement. This trained my decision making skills as I was able to make an informed decision based on a few key factors in a short amount of time while holding a conversation with the customers.

5)Throughout the EP journey, I had to show up at the roadshow everyday at 9.30 a.m sharp. On some days, I would leave from my home in Puncak Alam, while on others, I would leave from my room in Cheras. Heading to 1utama from either location, it would be a headache for me to leave at around 9 or even 8 as the traffic would be horrendous. Hence, I built a habit of leaving latest by 7 in order to not get stuck in the traffic jam. This allowed me to get to work early, nap in the car a bit and show up on time without the stress of daily traffic.

6) For my 4th and final week, I plan on being more concise and brief while still being detailed enough during my explanation to the customers. This is due to the large number of customers would cause a few of them to wait in line as they would want to ask a few questions. Being more concise and brief while answering their queries would allow them to wait less and ensure that the customers do not waste much time at the roadshow. It would also train my consultation skills in the future as I would also have to handle the high patient load in clinics and wards as well.

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nur Athirah Binti Maslil

Matric Number: A187833

Date: 11/8/2025 - 15/8/2025

2. Your progress so far

In Week 3, I bought a cotton Sakura fabric from Nagoya to make my third garment. Since I had already completed two Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak in the first two weeks, my teacher wanted me to try something different — the Baju Kurung Moden. This time, the drafting of the garment pattern (pola baju) was much more difficult because it was different from the Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak. I found it confusing and struggled at first. However, once I moved on to the sewing process, I was surprised that it was actually easier than sewing the Baju Kurung Pahang Pesak. I managed to complete the whole garment in less than five days.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt challenged yet excited this week. Drafting the pattern was stressful and made me realize I still have a lot to learn. But at the same time, I was happy because the sewing process was smoother than I expected. It gave me confidence that I can try more designs and not just limit myself to one style.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

I applied decision-making skills by planning my work more efficiently — I divided my time between drafting, cutting, and sewing, while also deciding when to ask my teacher for guidance whenever I got stuck. I also had to decide how to handle mistakes, whether to redo the pattern or continue with adjustments.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

I managed my time better this week by setting clear goals for each day. For example, I dedicated one day to drafting, another to cutting, and the rest for sewing. With this approach, I was able to finish the Baju Kurung Moden in less than five days, which felt very efficient compared to my earlier projects.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Next week, I will be joining a sewing workshop where I need to make a Baju Kurung Pahang Pesakon my own without the teacher’s full guidance. This will test my independence and skills. I plan to stay patient, focus on every step, and apply everything I have learned from the previous three weeks.

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Elective posting - week 3

1. Your name, matric number, date

Nur Ain Ashikin binti Bobby Herman

A193842

18/8/25 - 24/8/25

2. Your progress so far

For week 3, I start the week with figuring out why my seam between the blouse and arm are wrinkled. After carefully putting pin around the hem, I saw that the diameter of the blouse and the arm is not matching. That is why when I sew there would be a few stitches that has puckering. So to fix that, we make the arm diameter a little bit smaller and after that I managed to sew both hands onto the body on ONE try. After so many sewing mistakes finally my blouse was done after some finishing touches. It instantly lifted my mood and now finally I can move on to my skirt.

Because we have cut the outline of the skirt on the first week now we just need to adjust and add a few finishing touches. First, as always before starting any steps I need to iron the skirt then can we start sewing. Then I measure the diameter of the skirt and trace the needed measurement. My teacher first show me how to sew the skirt and then I went on sewing by her example. I sew the sideline of the skirt to make an A shape then I went on to cut a strip for the skirt band placement. After that I put the band onto the skirt. This part is a little bit tricky cause I need to stretch the band while sewing it to make ripple like you usually see on skirt. I need to pull hard enough after several stitches and make sure I dont sew on the band itself. So I ended up sewing really really slow but atleast I did it on one try.

Then I sew the zipper and to do this we need to change the needle head of the sewing machine to the one specifically for zipper. This one is a little challenging too as I need to sew as close to the edges as I can. Which takes some trys but its fine. Then came the longest part to sew and it takes me a lot of time to sew. Which was sewing the hem of the skirt and this is the description that I found on Google. ' The hem of a skirt is the finished, folded, and stitched edge at the bottom of the skirt, which prevents the fabric from unraveling and creates a neat appearance.' As my skirt hem has a really wide diameter so it really take a long time to sew it and I also need to sew as close to the edge as possible so its really challenging. But finally I finished my skirt successfully.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

There were several sewing mistake that I made this week but in my opinion it turned out pretty well compared to last week as I have finished the most hardest part which was sewing the arm to the body part.

This week also one of the students bring along asam pedas to the class so we took a break a little bit between sewing and the next day she brought fruits. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was delicious.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

I thought there would not be much decision making skill in sewing but was I wring as almost all step requires strategic decision making on my part.

The first one would be planning. I would need to plan the steps and actions to be done first before starting sewing. Because in sewing you would need to make things in order first like what fabrics to choose, then you iron, then you measure, then you cut the fabrics and then you pin the pieces and only then can you start sewing. If you missed or skip any step then your garment might not be perfectly suited. This has teach me the importance of planning and doing each step carefully to have a successful products.

Second one would be decision making in solving problem. You must quickly decide whether to repair, adjust, or redesign. With this one the perfect example would be wether to continue sewing the seam of the connection between the arm and body with the original diameter or decrease the diameter of the arm to better fit the body part diameter but having extra fabrics wasted. Im really glad i adjust the diameter instead of going with the original diameter cause my teacher said that even with the original diameter a skilled seamstress with years of experience could pull it off. But im a total newbie so I adjust the diameter and it turns out just perfect.

The thrid one is in resource management in which I need to make the best use of limited materials such as fabrics, time and money. In sewing you must measure the fabrics before cutting it cause if you just blindly cut parts of fabrics you might waste too much so you may not have enough left. Because each type of garment has a specific metre of fabrics needed and if you waste fabrics you would also be wasting your money. You also need to decide how much time to spend on details versus finishing the garment on time. This skill of not wasting resources could be applied in budgeting your pocket money so that you could avoid overspending.

Last one would be persistence in decision making. The skill that I learned would be knowing when to redo mistakes and when to move forward. If a seam is crooked, I must decide wether to unpick and redo (takes time) or leave it (saves time but looks messy). Because Sometimes striving for perfection delays progress too much. So with this sewing teaches you the balance between quality and efficiency. For example, during exam, you decide whether to perfect one subject or move on to cover all subjects briefly.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

My time during this EP journey is managed quite well.

My teacher has set a goal after discussion with me on what do I need to finish by each weeks and if there is any challenges we would face it together.

So far the goal is well maintained as I have finished a blouse and skirt by the third weeks and it is according to plan. My teacher also said that it is quite fast for a total newbie like me.

I also have breaks between sewing to rest my eyes and also my sewing machines. As it is quite an old machine which I borrowed from my mom the machine need to rest to prevent overheating. After 1 to 2 hours of sewing I would need to take small breaks in between. I also could rest my eyes after focusing on the needle too much.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For the last week I planned with my teacher to make one simple dress and the one that I chose is to make an abaya cardigan. It is because I really like to wear them when I go out as a casual look. But the problem is that it is so expensive and to be able to make ot myslef I thought would save me a lot of money. Hope my cardigan turns out well.

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Behind the Counter & Beyond the Cafe☘️🏃🏻

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Behind the Counter & Beyond the Cafe☘️🏃🏻

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nurul Lyana Binti Mohd Hafiz

Matric Number: A185593

Date: 18th - 24th August 2025

2. Your progress so far

This week, I was mainly assigned to the cashier and point of sale (POS) system. At first, it felt challenging because handling money and transactions required me to be fast, accurate and confident. As a cashier, I’m not only had to process payments but also ask customers for feedback and check their satisfaction with the food and service. I realized this role is crucial because it directly connects the cafe to customers’ experiences. Mistakes such as giving the wrong change or miscalculating bills were stressful but over time, I became more careful and learned to double check before confirming transactions.

Another part of my progress was learning how to handle difficult situations with professionalism. For example, when customers gave negative feedback, I practiced staying calm, apologizing sincerely and offering solutions such as refunds or replacement meals when necessary. It taught me that the cashier is not just about handling cash but also about building trust with customers and ensuring they leave the cafe with a positive impression.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

Overall, I felt that this week was both rewarding and exhausting. On one hand, it was empowering to finally be trusted with the responsibility of being a cashier which is one of the most important roles in the cafe. I felt proud of myself  that I was able to handle transactions smoothly and even manage complicated requests such as split payments for large groups. On the other hand, it was tiring to juggle between speed and accuracy especially during peak hours when the cafe was packed with customers.

Despite the challenges, I enjoyed the sense of growth and responsibility. This role helped me realize how much patience and communication skills are needed in the food and beverage (FnB) industry. I also felt that every mistake I made became a chance to learn something new and the support from my teammates encouraged me not to give up even when I was frustrated.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

This week really pushed me to practice decision making skills. As a cashier, I often had to decide quickly how to handle unexpected situations like when a customer complained or when a bill didn’t add up correctly. I learned the importance of staying calm and not panicking because how I responded affected not only the customer’s experience but also the cafe’s reputation.

Family Day at Lumut also gave me a different perspective on decision making. During the group activities like tug of war, barbecues and teamwork games, I realized that making decisions as a team required communication, trust and cooperation. Meeting staff from other branches like Lapaq, Meokja Cafe Seberang Jaya, Elly Mely Cafe and Meokja Cafe Puncak Alam helped me understand how each team contributes differently but together they build the bigger family of Meokja. I even had the chance to hear from the bosses and head organization about how the cafe first started and expanded into four branches which was inspiring and motivating for me.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Time management was definitely one of the hardest parts this week. My cashier duties often required me to be alert from the start of my shift until closing with little room for mistakes. During peak hours, I had to prioritize serving customers quickly while still making sure transactions were correct. This taught me how to divide my focus and energy wisely as when to move fast and when to pause for accuracy.

Outside of work, Family Day gave me a chance to rest, recharge and bond with the bigger Meokja family. Even though it was only two days and one night, it felt refreshing to release stress by joining fun activities and making new friends. I learned that part of good time management is also allowing myself to rest, so I can return to work with better energy and focus. Balancing work, learning and personal recovery was key for me this week.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Looking forward to Week 4, I plan to continue improving my cashier skills while also learning more about customer service. I want to focus on minimizing mistakes especially in handling payments and responding to feedback because these directly affect customer satisfaction. I also want to strengthen my communication skills by practicing how to talk to customers more confidently and politely in different situations.

Since next week will be very busy due to upcoming events and high customer flow, I plan to prepare myself mentally and physically for the challenge. I also want to grab any chance I can get to explore barista training since I still hope to learn coffee making techniques before the end of my elective posting. With all these experiences combined, I believe Week 4 will be another step toward becoming more adaptable, responsible and confident in the F&B environment.

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Colorful Scrapbook Vision Board Photo Collage Poster

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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 Azri

Matrics No: A185978

Date: Aug 18th - 24th

2. My progress so far

A new intern joined this week, someone with a business admin degree, and I got the chance to shadow her during the quieter hours. It was interesting to see the behind-the-scenes part of cafe operations, the numbers, logistics, and paperwork that keep things running just as much as the food and drinks do.

I also collected customer feedback using the cafe’s food feedback template, and it felt nice to be part of the effort to continuously improve. Even better, the café’s Google rating has gone up, and the review poster and tracker I worked on earlier are starting to show results.

Outside of cashier work, I lent a hand in other areas too, helping in the kitchen with packing frozen items into portions, and assisting with renovating and redecorating the event space so it’s ready for future reservations. It felt good to know that I could contribute in small ways to different corners of the cafe, and one that would last for a longer time than I would be here for.

3. My feelings and thoughts

Now onto my favourite part of these reports; this third week at Ezy Cafe honestly felt like the point where I stopped being “the student on elective posting” and started feeling like part of the family. Everyone here, from the manager to the head chef to the baristas, has been so welcoming that I don’t just feel like an outsider observing, but someone who belongs. It meant a lot when they told me I’d always be welcome to work here again during holidays or weekends; it showed me they valued my effort, no matter how small.

I’m really grateful to be in an environment where I can learn without fear of being scolded for mistakes. The F&B world is hectic, there’s no denying that, but I get to experience that hecticness in a way that’s safe, encouraging, and motivating but still challenges me to improve, whether it’s being faster at the cashier, or sharper when noting down customer feedback.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how transferable some of these lessons are. In medicine, teamwork and communication are essential, and here it’s the same; small decisions I make at the cashier can ripple into the kitchen and bar, so I’m more mindful about clarity and accountability. It’s funny how I came here expecting to just “work in a cafe as a part timer,” but instead, I’m also learning people skills, adaptability, and patience.

This week also gave me a deeper sense of appreciation for service jobs. It’s easy to be a customer and not think twice, but being behind the counter shows me how much thought and effort goes into every cup of coffee, every packed order, and every smile at the cashier. I’m glad I get to carry that awareness forward, not just as a worker here, but also as a future doctor who will constantly rely on teamwork and service.

4. How I learned and applied decision-making skill in my EP journey

One of the biggest things I’ve picked up is knowing which decisions are mine to make, and which ones I should refer upwards. As a cashier, money transactions are a big responsibility. At first, I didn’t know whether I was allowed to give discounts, so I had to check with my manager a few times. Over time, I became more confident in which promotions and discounts could be applied, and I even managed to upsell durian by offering promotions to customers.

I also realised that every small action at the cashier affects other parts of the cafe. For example, if I void or add items in the system, the kitchen and bar printers immediately receive those updates. If I don’t put proper remarks, it could cause miscommunication and even wastage. Learning to make decisions carefully, with the team in mind, has been one of the most valuable lessons so far.

Another part of decision-making came during peak hours, choosing whether to handle something immediately or delegate/ask for help. Sometimes, quick decisions made calmly can prevent chaos from spreading further.

5. How I managed my time throughout my EP journey

My shifts are fixed; 2:30 pm to 11 pm on weekdays, and 3:30 pm to 12 am on weekends. To cope, I’ve made it a habit to rest well at night, and use the mornings to prepare myself calmly instead of rushing. By the time I reach the cafe, I feel ready for the shift.

Since my role as cashier ends later than other sections (they can start closing 30 minutes before closing time, but I have to wait until the very last customer has paid), I’ve learned to manage this extra responsibility by prepping early. I start counting the petty cash box and organising notes for the next shift, while also keeping track of other sales streams like Grab, Foodpanda, and the cafe’s website orders.

6. Plan for Week 4

Next week, I want to finally explore the bar side of the café. It’s been my goal since the start, but I know the SOPs there are stricter and the drinks are complex, with many recipes and customisations. Still, I asked Lyn, my very first friend here, who’s also a barista, to teach me one of Ezy Cafe’s simple yet unique drinks. I’m excited for that.

There will also be a farewell for my friend Hessa, who’s leaving earlier than myself due to personal reasons. On top of that, I’ll get to experience the Merdeka celebration at Ezy Café, which I’m really looking forward to.

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1 name：Lim yuan Qian

Matric no : A194837

Date:17/8/2025-23/8/2025(week 3)

2. My Progress So Far (Week 3)

This week marked my third week of TCM elective posting. Unlike the previous weeks, I followed five new yishi from different specialties:

Cardiovascular Specialist Acupuncture Department (Scalp Acupuncture)

Dermatology

Cerebrovascular Specialist

Internal Medicine

Specialist Acupuncture Department (Scalp Acupuncture – Chen Yishi)

Through them, I gained exposure to more specialized aspects of TCM.

From the cardiovascular specialist (Liang Yishi), I learned about the importance of drug–drug interactions, especially between warfarin and many common Chinese herbs. He emphasized patient education, particularly on avoiding certain foods such as bak kut teh and ginseng, which can interfere with warfarin.

For patients with heart block or atrial fibrillation (AF) who are not candidates for surgery, TCM can play a supportive role using herbs such as 当归 (Dong Quai), which has mild vasodilatory and antiplatelet effects, and 丹参 (Danshen), which improves microcirculation and protects vessels.

Liang Yishi also showed me patients with Tourette syndrome, menopause syndrome, and mild depression, highlighting the value of excellent communication skills and inspection. He explained that inspection extends beyond the patient—it includes observing the environment, such as weather, which influences symptoms.

With Chen Yishi (Specialist in Scalp Acupuncture), I explored how TCM conceptualizes diabetes as Xiao (消) syndromes In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is no single disease called “diabetes.” Instead, it is understood through the patterns of Upper, Middle, and Lower Xiao (消) syndromes, which are closely related to imbalances in the Lung, Spleen, and Liver. TCM emphasizes that by restoring harmony to the five zang and six fu organs (the body’s major organ systems), blood sugar levels can naturally return to balance.

Western medicine excels at quickly lowering dangerously high blood sugar levels and managing acute symptoms, but it primarily addresses the condition on a surface level. TCM focuses on treating the root cause through gradual internal regulation (调理), aiming to reduce or even eliminate long-term dependence on medication

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At the TCM department, he truly hope that modern medicine and TCM can work hand-in-hand, just as they do in China. Western medicine can address immediate, life-threatening conditions, while TCM provides long-term support and regulation, helping patients achieve better overall health and quality of life, with less need for continuous medication.

From Huang Yishi (Dermatology), I learned to differentiate psoriasis, cerebral dermatitis, tinea, eczema, and Malassezia-related acne. I had the opportunity to observe a patient with tinea and was taught practical steps in distinguishing skin conditions.

Wu Yishi (Cerebrovascular Specialist) shared how acupuncture and TCM support neurological diseases such as secondary stroke prevention, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ataxia.

Parkinson’s Disease:
TCM can help extend the effectiveness of levodopa therapy.

It supports patients during “drug holiday” periods when levodopa is temporarily stopped.

It helps maintain symptom control and delay the need for higher medication doses.

Alzheimer’s Disease:
Dr. Wu referenced research in China showing that Alzheimer’s disease progression often follows a “staircase pattern”, with periods of stability followed by decline. Acupuncture can prolong these stability phases, delaying worsening of symptoms.

TCM may not “cure” degenerative diseases, but it can slow progression and improve quality of life

Finally,Dr. Wang taught me extensively about acupuncture techniques, acupoints (穴位), and moxibustion (艾灸).

She emphasized the use of 电针 (electroacupuncture) during the golden recovery period after a stroke, explaining that early intervention can significantly enhance recovery by improving blood flow and stimulating neuroplasticity.

Dr. Wang also stressed that while physiotherapy and external stimulation are important, the body needs internal activation to optimize healing. Acupuncture helps stimulate the body’s own nervous system responses, preventing it from becoming “lazy” and overly dependent on external aids.

3. My Feelings and Thoughts

This week felt meaningful but also humbling. Initially, I had a narrow understanding of TCM, assuming it was mainly for pain or stroke. However, by observing real cases and engaging with specialists, my perspective widened significantly. I now appreciate that TCM has structured approaches for cardiovascular, neurological, dermatological, and endocrine diseases, not just symptomatic relief.

I also realized the importance of integration between TCM and Western medicine. In China, both work hand-in-hand. I hope that, starting with myself, I can encourage collaboration in Malaysia, giving patients more options and holistic care.

4. Decision-Making Skills in My EP Journey

During my elective posting in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I had many opportunities to observe and practice decision-making in clinical settings. I learned that TCM physicians (医师) do not rely on a fixed set of medications for a disease; instead, they tailor treatment based on each patient’s unique constitution and presentation. For example, as one physician, Dr. Wong, explained, elderly patients often have a “寒” (cold) body constitution, so they are more suited for “热” (warming) medications, while younger patients with the same condition may require gentler, cooling herbs. This patient-centered and individualized approach to decision-making taught me to look beyond the disease label and carefully consider patient factors before choosing treatment.

Another valuable lesson was how TCM physicians integrate Western medicine in their decision-making process. They often recommend that patients seek Western medical interventions when necessary, such as advising urgent hospital care and thrombolytic therapy within the critical three-hour window for acute stroke. They also emphasize appropriate investigations like imaging scans to confirm diagnoses. This broadened my understanding of when to use Western medicine for rapid disease control and TCM for long-term 调理 (holistic adjustment), giving patients a more comprehensive approach to care.

I was able to apply these lessons in my own decision-making during the posting. When assessing patients, I practiced differentiating between possible diseases based on symptoms, history, and pulse/tongue examination in TCM. I also learned to decide what questions to discuss with the supervising physician to confirm my reasoning, such as asking about the best herbal combinations for specific syndromes or whether a patient should be referred for imaging or Western medical care.

This experience has been incredibly valuable for my future in Western medicine because it has given me a new perspective on diagnostic reasoning and prescribing decisions. By learning how TCM practitioners carefully adjust treatment plans for each patient, I have strengthened my ability to think critically and holistically. I now feel more confident in applying these decision-making skills in Western medical practice, especially when formulating differential diagnoses, choosing medications, and collaborating with other healthcare disciplines.

5. Time Management in My EP Journey

Managing time during this EP has been challenging but rewarding. I balanced between observing TCM consultations, self-studying Western medicine references, and reflecting on my experiences. Dermatology required extra effort since I had to revise both Western dermatology knowledge and TCM perspectives.

I allocated time each evening to review cases, cross-check herbs, and read Western guidelines. This way, I ensured I did not neglect my Western foundation while immersing in TCM. I also kept a journal to track new herbs, acupoints, and clinical reasoning insights daily.

6. My Plan for Next Week (Week 4)

For Week 4, I plan to:

1. Study more deeply into specialized TCM approaches, particularly in neurology and internal medicine.

2. Prepare focused questions to discuss with yishi to maximize learning.

3. Strengthen my ability to compare and integrate TCM with Western medicine, so I can form a balanced understanding.

4. Continue improving my reflection and case documentation, aiming to achieve my learning objectives with clarity and depth.

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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: 27/07/25 - 29/07/25 (Week 3)

1. Progress so far

This week, in class, I learnt how to make cheesetarts, both veg and non-veg, completely from scratch. This included preparing the tart shells, making the cheese cream filling, and assembling everything into beautifully decorated tarts. It was a great experience to see the entire process come together from dough to final product.

2. Feelings and thoughts

This week’s session was quite tiring because we had to prepare tart shells for the full recipe for both versions. However, having the tart shell moulding equipment helped a lot as it made the process faster and easier. Despite the workload, I found it enjoyable and satisfying. It was fun to experiment with different decorations for the cheesetarts and to be creative in the designs. I also enjoyed piping the cheese filling, preparing the dough, and pressing it neatly into the tart moulds. The hands-on work was engaging and made me feel like I was improving my skills in both baking techniques and presentation.

3. How I learnt and applied the skill of decision-making in my EP journey

Throughout my EP journey, decision making has been an important part of the process. I had to decide on recipes to try each week, plan my ingredient purchases, and choose the best methods to achieve the desired results. This involved weighing factors such as time, cost, availability of ingredients, and the difficulty level of the recipes. I also had to decide whether to follow instructions exactly or adjust them based on my own judgment and past experiences, which helped me gain confidence in making culinary choices.

For Week 3 specifically, when learning to make cheesetarts, I had to make several decisions during the baking process. For example, I decided to use the tart shell moulding equipment to ensure uniform shapes and save time. I also made choices about the decoration style for the cheesetarts, experimenting with different piping patterns and toppings to create a visually appealing presentation. These small but important decisions contributed to both the efficiency of my work and the final look of the cheesetarts.

4. How I managed my time throughout this EP journey

I have managed my time well so far by balancing my classes with home practice sessions. I make sure to set aside time at home to revise what I learnt in class so I can perfect my skills. By practising regularly, I have been able to improve my speed, accuracy, and confidence when working on different recipes.

I also practiced making a chocolate sponge cake and baked one for my friend’s birthday. I’m really proud of the outcome, and everyone who tasted it praised me and gave encouraging feedback.

5. Plan for next week (Week 4)

Next week, I will be learning how to make panna cotta. I am excited to explore this dessert, especially in creating smooth textures and experimenting with flavour combinations and presentation styles.

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Brewing dreams: a journey towards starting my café

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Brewing dreams: a journey towards starting my café

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Elective Posting Journal at Luxe Coffee café

WeeK 3

1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Nurwafa Aliaa Binti Roslan

Matric No.: A188682

Date: 27/7 – 2/8 (Week 3)

2. Your progress so far

This week marked my first hands-on experience in the kitchen. Kak Miera (kitchen crew) guided me on how to marinate chicken properly, and I assisted in preparing crispy chicken popcorn, which turned out to be a fun and rewarding task. Being able to contribute more actively in food preparation gave me a better understanding of the café’s workflow behind the scenes.

I also learned how to plate the food appropriately, which was something I had never paid close attention to before. Each dish has its own specific plate, and the way food is arranged really affects the overall appearance and customer impression. Learning the importance of visual appeal in plating made me appreciate the creativity involved in food service.

My barista skills also improved slightly this week. I continued practising milk frothing and latte art. Although my attempt at creating DIY latte art was not very successful, I enjoyed the process and learned to identify where I went wrong.

Apart from that, I continued handling the cashier during busy hours and supported the team in preparing side dishes and pastries. My confidence in multitasking and customer service is steadily growing.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt more at ease experimenting with new tasks this week. Although not everything went smoothly, I truly enjoyed the learning process. The support I received from the kitchen team and baristas helped reduce my anxiety, especially when trying something unfamiliar.

Being trusted with more responsibilities, like food preparation and drinks, made me feel more like a part of the team rather than just an intern. I am grateful for this opportunity to explore different aspects of café operations and understand how each role plays a part in creating a complete customer experience.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Decision making was essential, especially during busy periods. I had to decide the best order to complete tasks, such as whether to prioritise customer interaction or assist with food preparation when the café got crowded. Learning to quickly assess what needed to be done without panicking helped me stay organised.

Another example was when I had to judge how many portions of chicken popcorn to prepare ahead of time. I needed to consider expected customer flow and be careful not to waste ingredients. Making small decisions like this helped me think more critically and improve my sense of timing and responsibility.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Time management was all about preparation and staying alert. I made sure to prep cups, cutlery, and takeaway boxes early so I could handle unexpected rush hours more efficiently. During quiet periods, I would restock supplies or clean the working stations to ensure everything remained organised.

I started using a mental checklist each shift which included tasks like checking pastry freshness, maintaining cleanliness, reviewing stock levels, and managing orders smoothly at the cashier. This helped me stay consistent and kept things running more efficiently during peak times.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Continue all tasks learned so far including cleaning, preparing cutlery, checking stock, handling cashier, making drinks, and helping in the kitchen.

Learn how to manage receipts, including recording shift and restocking expenses, and keying in data accurately.

Spend quality time with the café crew and appreciate their guidance.

Make as many memories as possible before the posting ends.

Reflect on the skills I have gained and start developing ideas for running a café business in the future, including both front-of-house operations and back-end management.

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1. Name: Nur Hana Amirah binti Abu Hassan

Matric Number: A195054

Date: 21/7/2025-27/7/2025 (Week 3)

2. Your progress so far

Week 3 marked a significant shift in my pottery journey whereby I moved from purely learning techniques to independently designing and creating my own pottery pieces. Having practiced the foundational skills of wedging, centering, and pulling over the past two weeks, I now had the confidence to experiment with forms and begin developing my own creative style.

I spent considerable time sketching and planning potential designs for my final project. My supervisor played a key role in this process, providing constructive feedback during consultations and sharing valuable tips and tricks that professional potters use to achieve specific effects. These sessions were instrumental in bridging the gap between technical skill and creative expression.

Besides, I also learned that in pottery, we can reclaim the clay that we use to make things as long as they have not dried yet. This way, no failed pieces go to waste and can be re-throw to create better products. I also learned another form of pottery which is slip-casting. Whereby potters use clay “slip” and mold them into their desired shape. Thus they are able to achieve uniform shapes ceramics.

In addition to my personal project, I had a unique opportunity to assist my supervisor in conducting a pottery workshop on Penang Island, which focused on teaching participants how to make a matcha bowl. This event was attended by 16 students, all eager to try their hands at pottery within a 2-hour session. The day before the workshop, my supervisor and I stayed late at the studio to prepare all necessary materials, ensuring that the tools, clay, and workspace were organized for a smooth event.

During the workshop, I witnessed firsthand the complexities of teaching a large group with limited time and resources. While it was initially challenging to support one instructor in managing multiple participants, I learned to adapt quickly by stepping in to guide students with their techniques, answering questions, and ensuring everyone stayed engaged. This experience opened my eyes to the business and event management side of pottery, which extends far beyond the creative process. It gave me a holistic understanding of pottery as both an art form and a sustainable profession.

By the end of the week, I had not only made progress in shaping my own pieces but also gained real-world exposure to pottery as a community-driven craft, where teaching and sharing knowledge are just as important as personal artistry. The workshop itself became one of the core memories of my elective posting, as it combined creativity, interpersonal communication, and hands-on collaboration.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

This week was incredibly fulfilling and memorable. Being able to design my own pieces gave me a sense of ownership and creative freedom, which boosted my motivation. Assisting in the workshop was both exciting and nerve-wracking as I witnessed firsthand how demanding it is to engage multiple students while maintaining a personal and interactive teaching style. It gave me newfound respect for my supervisor’s skills as both an artist and an educator. Most importantly, I felt proud and grateful to be part of such an event, learning not only pottery techniques but also the organizational and interpersonal skills that go into running a successful workshop.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

I applied decision-making skills in multiple ways:

- Designing my pottery pieces required me to make creative decisions about forms, sizes, and styles based on my skills and timeframe.

- During the workshop, I made on-the-spot decisions to assist participants effectively while supporting my supervisor, such as when to step in to help, when to observe, and how to address students’ concerns without disrupting the flow of the session.
- I also learned to prioritize tasks during event preparation by deciding which tasks to complete first, such as preparing tools, organizing the clay, and setting up workstations for participants.

These decisions taught me to balance creativity with practicality and to remain calm and solution-oriented in dynamic situations.

5. How did you manage your time throughout the EP journey

Time management was crucial this week, as I had to balance personal creative work with event preparations. I allocated my mornings for practicing at the wheel and refining my designs, reserving afternoons for collaborating with my supervisor on workshop tasks.

I also learned the importance of flexibility whereby when last-minute changes arose for the event, I adjusted my schedule to ensure everything could be completed without compromising my practice time. This disciplined yet adaptable approach allowed me to maximize my learning experience and meet all responsibilities.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For Week 4, my main objectives are:

- Completing my final pottery pieces by refining their forms and ensuring they are ready for the finishing process.
- Exploring glazing techniques to understand how colors, textures, and finishes can transform a piece.
- Documenting my journey in greater detail, reflecting on my growth, challenges, and takeaways from this elective experience.

By the end of Week 4, I aim to complete at least one fully finished piece (shaped and glazed) as a representation of my progress. More importantly, I want to consolidate my learning both the technical and personal skills to carry forward beyond this elective.

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ELECTIVE POSTING JOURNEY @OLIVE 9 PHARMACY

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ELECTIVE POSTING JOURNEY @OLIVE 9 PHARMACY

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Aisya Aiman binti Yusuff Ahmad

Matric Number: A194636

Week 3: 21/7 – 25/7

2. Your progress so far

In Week 3, I was given the opportunity to explore new tasks, especially involving the organization and customer-facing aspects of the pharmacy. I learned about the arrangement of items in the pharmacy—how products are categorized, placed, and labeled for easy access and visibility. I also had the chance to assist in the sales area, handle basic transactions, and continue helping with stock receiving and documentation. This week gave me a broader view of how a pharmacy operates not only from the backend but also from the front counter.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I truly enjoyed this week because I was able to interact more with customers and see how pharmacists manage both clinical knowledge and retail responsibilities. It’s eye-opening to realize how much attention to detail is required not just in dispensing but also in creating a welcoming and efficient pharmacy environment. I feel more confident and involved in the daily workflow.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

One example of decision-making this week was when I needed to decide where to place new incoming stock based on category, expiry dates, and available space. I had to quickly assess the situation and organize the items efficiently without disrupting the existing arrangement. I also had to decide when to approach a staff member if I was unsure—learning when to act independently and when to ask for guidance.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

I tried to follow a routine by dividing my tasks throughout the day—mornings for stock management and learning, afternoons for assisting in the sales area. I also used a small notebook to track what I’ve learned and what needs further clarification. Reflecting on my progress daily helped me stay focused and motivated.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4):

• To review more common OTC medications and their indications.

. To receive more stocks and labelling

• To prepare a short reflection summary of my overall elective experience.