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Making tags to put on the trees for the reforestation project, Handed a pendrive to a clinic, Planting a tree for the reforestation project 

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Name: Zakiyyah Ruha Nohur

Matric number: A185407

This two-week period allowed me to profoundly reflect on my way of living, and made me question whether I was doing enough for my home's environment.

I decided to reduce my family and I's plastic consumption. Although we were already aware of the harmful effects they have on the environment, it was a vital reminder of how much damage we are causing. I also took the initiative to plant more trees in my backyard which will hopefully help in fostering a small ecosystem there too.

I will continue to think of ways in which we can implement sustainability in healthcare as well, so that in the future, both mankind and nature can be truly healthy.

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Name: Zakiah binti Ibrahim

Matric number: A188224

Date: 19 August 2024 - 23 August 2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project was successfully fulfilled. I was able to learn a myriad of species of flora and fauna at Tawau Hills Park, it was through this project that I found out there were hornbills here, something I never knew. I learned different methods to spread awareness, for example by giving talks at schools, posting fun facts about the animals on social media and playing the organisation's documentary videos at public places. I hope to have influenced my friends and family in having an interest in nature conservation.

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

The most enjoyable part is definitely being able to bask in the nature, where I normally do not get the chance to. Tawau Hills Park is truly a beautiful place for nature lovers. It lets you escape reality for a while and I loved every second of it.

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

One of the difficult parts of this project was to convince the clinics to play the documentary videos. Many of them were hesitant or were not interested. I explained the purpose and benefits of playing the documentary videos but they were unable to accept due to various reasons such as needing to play advertisements or movies to keep the clients entertained while waiting or broken television. I had to go to about 20 clinics and were glad to finally find 3 clinics that were happy to play our videos.

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

My favourite part would be the plants that I cared for at the nursery. It was enlivening to see them thriving. They look much better than before and are flowering left and right. These plants will be used for future reforestation projects and I am honoured to be a part of it through this initiative. I even planted some of my own plants, which were 20 lantana plants and even they were budding by the time I was leaving. Do I perhaps have green hands?

5. What can be improved in this project?

I hoped to have traveled to some places such as Kinabalu Park and Kuching to explore the nature in those areas as well but I could not as I did not have the time. Although I am still grateful for the time I had and I think it was ample.

I wish to have bonded more with the team members but they were very busy because this was peak season for them.

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Made friends with Bjorn Hala’s ( where we stay) security 

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Made friends with Bjorn Hala’s ( where we stay) security 

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1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, it was fulfilled. I get to do the animal husbandry every single day. It is a fixed routine there in BSBCC checking the forest enclosure in which we call fence checking, prepare foods by cutting so many kilos of fruits and vegetables, cleaning 3-4 cages each day each person with thorough process, cleaning the kitchen to ensure hygienic environment for the sun bears and workers to prevent any transmit-able diseases. Enrichments each day to train the Sun Bears for the surivival in the forest and to cultivate the “Sun Bears behaviors” and also to prevent them from being stress. Finally, I wanted to do this because as someone in Medicine, I always liked to learn about lives but never did I took my time to learn in depth of animal lives which are very precious to our Earth. I am a also a person who loves the Nature and through this elective posting, I was able to give my everything for the Nature. It is a cycle, by doing for the Sun Bears it will eventually cultivate a better wildlife and the forest itself. The sounds of the forest gives utmost peace in which we can’t easily find it anywhere else. I get to complete my objectives, I get to do my part for the Nature through this elective posting.

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

My heart feels full as I get to spend my whole time with the Sun Bears. I get to experience a totally different life as this my first experience in life doing such a volunteering. The importance the Conservation Centre gives to the wildlife is something that I like it so much that if many people have the same mindset, we will definitely have a healthy environment for many more generations to come. I still remember of what Dr. Wong Siew Te have said that he was so depressed learning about the situation of the Sun Bears before he started the Conservation Centre that even if he close his eyes, he can see the Sun Bears suffering which pushed him into doing this and being the founder of Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre. How much empathetic a person can be when he could’ve easily thought that someone else will do it. I learnt so much of empathetic value here that I could bring forever with me seeing myself treating my patients with so much care and empathy towards them. These are the things that deep down makes you feel in peace and happy. I feel fulfilled and it keeps me hungry to do more and keep going. I also have made friends with Sabah and Sarawak people, being able to learn their culture and creating a good bond without making race as a factor makes me feel more humanely.

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

Fence checking, cage cleaning, cooking and enrichment . Fence checking and cage cleaning takes so much of physical effort to complete it and it’s an everyday thing to do there. As I stated earlier, the fence checking is roughly 1.8 KM of total distance and the routes are not easy in which sometimes I have to hike, I have to walk in mud (sometimes my legs will stuck in the mud) and that will be the first part of the day. Other than that, cage cleaning, although we have to clean only 3-4 cages but each cage is big and we have 5 processes such as sweeping the poop and food particles, washing with soap, brushing, washing again and finally squeezing the water away. We have to do this everyday as to maintain the hygiene of the cage for the Sun Bears to live and eat in a conducive environment. This is the part in which my body will feel painful as we need to bend our back and so on (personally, most tiring for me). Cooking ! After a tired day, we have to cook without knowing proper recipe and also being a person who don’t enjoy cooking is difficult for me but I still had to do it. Finally, building an enrichment with cutting the wooden blocks, hammering and so on were a difficult job to do. It took so much of energy and time to build it but the efforts were all worth it.

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

Everything worked out well even though certain tasks are tough because at the end of the day we wanted to give our best while we are there just for the motivation through learning the lives of the sun bears itself. I even managed to form a really great bond with people there in a short time and we were welcomed to go and volunteer there again anytime with free accommodation and transportation. Other than that, my enrichment for Along, he enjoy using my enrichment especially if we put food into it. It’s so cute to see Along doing everything he can to get the food from it and playing with it which reduces his stress.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I was able to remember 25 Sun Bears names but I couldn’t remember all and also I didn’t manage to learn every bears’ stories which could’ve improved my overall involvement there and I could’ve also give more suggestions to them. I also could’ve more conversations and asking questions to Dr. Wong Siew Te to learn even more about the Sun Bears and the Conversation Centre itself. Otherwise, I am happy with my involvement there.

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Name : Muhamad Amir Raimi Bin Anuar

Matric number : A187952

Date : 26/8/2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the key objectives of this project were successfully met. One of the primary goals which is ensuring the well-being and rehabilitation of the sun bears was a major focus throughout. By taking part in daily activities like feeding, cage cleaning, and faecal and fence checks, I was able to actively contribute to their health, safety, and comfort. In particular, my enrichment project, Villa Romolina, helped achieve the wildlife welfare and behavioural research goals. Observing Romolina and other bears engage with the enrichment tools we have done, shows how these interventions can positively influence their mental stimulation and natural behaviors, such as climbing and foraging. Without enrichments, these bears suffer from pacing and suckling behaviours

The conservation education objective was also realize through daily debriefs, interactions with the staff, and an inspiring session with Dr. Wong Siew Te, where he shared invaluable insights into the challenges and successes in sun bear conservation. The community engagement aspect extended beyond the centre working with fellow volunteers from local and overseas,  allowed me to participate in raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices within the local environment. The data collected through observing the bears' reactions to the enrichment, and faecal observation and recording , contributes to ongoing research that aims to refine and enhance sun bear management strategies.

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

What I liked the most was the sense of purpose and fulfillment that came from seeing the direct impact of my work on the sun bears' well-being. There’s something indescribable about watching a wild animal interact with an environment that you helped create it made all the physical effort worthwhile.“Villa Romolina” was worth the hassle when I was able to observe the sun bear, Romolina entertains its enrichment for about 20 minutes.

Additionally, I loved the friendship I built with all the volunteers and staffs. Although everyday was very tiring, it was fun due to the people I worked with. Helping each other on projects like enrichment activities and going on hikes to collect materials helped forge strong friendships and made the work feel even more rewarding. I also found the adventure of trekking into the forest to collect ginger leaves, branches, and termite nests exciting.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

Firstly, the physical demands of the project were certainly more challenging than I initially expected. Activities like cleaning bear cages, conducting fence checks, and hiking long distances to collect materials for enrichment were physically taxing. Walking over 8 kilometers daily, sometimes under harsh weather conditions, sometimes took a toll on my body. Fortunately, this level of exertion pushed me out of my comfort zone!

Secondly, the emotional aspect of working so closely with animals that have been rescued from traumatic backgrounds. Most of the bears developed post-traumatic behaviours like self-harm. While it was uplifting to contribute to their rehabilitation, it was sometimes difficult to witness the scars and behavioral traits that arise from their past lives in captivity. Balancing the desire to care for them while acknowledging that full rehabilitation takes time required emotional strength.

In terms of the enrichment project, I had to speed up the process as bad weathers halted my progress to find broken tree trunks and etc. The process  of “Villa Romolina” was very exhausting as I would have to cut the tree trunks, bolts and more, but it was worth the grind!

4. What has really worked?

A lot of components of the project worked exceptionally well. The enrichment that I built was successful. Villa Romolina exceeded expectations in terms of bear interaction, keeping Romolina engaged for nearly 20 minutes which is a clear sign that the project was effective in encouraging natural behaviors such as foraging and climbing. The project had shown its positive outcomes.

Teamwork was another strong point. The collaborative environment at BSBCC, allowed us to work efficiently and support one another. I also made good companionship with friends from Ireland, United Kingdom, China and more. This partnership, and with guidance from the staff, ensured that tasks like bear feeding, cage cleaning, and fence checks were done smoothly and safely.

Lastly, the structured daily schedule of tasks including education worked very well in keeping the entire experience organised. I was able to participate in all the tasks that are done as bear keepers. I also had the chance to join 3 education sessions with Dr Wong Siew Te and our supervisor, Miss Jacq. This balance between hands-on tasks and learning opportunities made my experience very fulfilling.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Firstly, it would be beneficial to include more guided learning on sun bear behavior and medical care at the start of the program. I eventually learned to differentiate the bears based on their physical characteristics, paws, and chest marks, a more in-depth introduction to their behavior and care at the beginning of the project would enhance volunteers’ ability to work more effectively. Knowledge about the do’s and don’ts will ensure our safety as volunteers more.

Secondly, I missed the opportunity to join or spectate medical checkups for sun bears which are done at specific period of time. I would gladly volunteer again and find out when they will carry this specific activity just to observe and learn more about sun bears!

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Name: Natasha Priyadarshini A/P Alexander Selvaraj

Matric's No.: A182823

Date: 26 July-1 August 2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Upon completing the last week of my elective posting, I have completed all my objectives and proposed activities, including living amongst the community, assisting the teachers by hosting a sharing session and teaching a class, facilitating community events such as the collection of compost and cleaning of the school, also assisting Borneo Komrad in any way possible in terms of organisation of the Mini Pharmacy and following the students and teachers to recieve medical attention whenever necessary.

To summarise, my objectives to assist the volunteers of Borneo Komrad in their mission to educate the stateless children as all-rounders, assisting in the planning of weekly programmes and accommodating to the commune-like living conditions have all been accomplished.

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

I truly enjoyed how I could learn something new daily throughout my elective, albeit small or big, upon looking back, I have learned many new skills in the form of communication, organisation, teaching and activism. Being able to live amongst the community throughout the one month was an eye-opening experience to the struggles and the beauty of the stateless community, the adversities they face and yet the passion and drive they have towards activism not only for their cause but showing solidarity to minorities all around the world.

I also enjoyed being able to delve into the experience as a medical intern while in the community, although the theme of the internship is not s medical internship, I was able to experience and learn more about community medicine through my experiences of following the students to the clinics and hospitals, as well as discussing with lecturers and professors who visited the Borneo Komrad schools.

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

The most challenging aspect of this project was taking on responsibilities in that short period of time, which made time management truly a challenge. I am honoured to be trusted with all the tasks, which in turn fuelled my passion and drive to complete all the planned activities and to also go above and beyond the tasks listed in the original proposal.

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

Being able to live within the community truly allowed me to experience the elective posting of a month in its entirety. It slowly transitioned from an internship into a responsibility as a teacher towards the other teachers, students and the community as a whole. I truly believe my experience would have been altered had I not stayed in the Collective House. Being able to “go to work” (going to the school) and then coming home to the Collective House to cook, clean and share experiences with the other teachers and students is truly a core memory and genuinely helped me adapt to the live as a teacher in Semporna, and the joys and hardships of being an activist fighting this uphill battle.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Seeing the needs of the community, I hope to lengthen my stay as an intern in Borneo Komrad. Although the term for this elective was for one month, I hope to extend my internship further to be further integrated and to help more within the schools and the community. This would heavily impact my ability to experience more within the community as well as ease my time management, while being able to provide bigger contributions towards the school.

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Muhammad Syamil Hilman bin Rashidan

A189603

19/9/24-23/9/24

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, nearly all of the project's objectives were achieved. Learning the fundamentals of speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Mandarin was the main objective. I have really improved in these areas over the last four weeks, especially in speaking and understanding simple Mandarin. I also wanted to learn more about Chinese culture and promote better interactions among Chinese-speaking communities. My understanding of the language and culture has deepened as a result of this effort. Even though I still have a long way to go before I can talk like a native, I am happy with how much I have learnt in a short time.

In terms of learning a new language, I have a decent foundation in Mandarin. I can introduce myself, engage in basic conversations, and understand simple written texts. Even though I know I still need to study and practise a lot to become fluent, I'm happy with the big progress I've achieved so quickly. The skills I’ve gained will be invaluable as I continue to learn Mandarin.

During this period of time, I have learned essential medical terminology and practiced using it in relevant contexts. This has enhanced my ability to interact with patients, which is crucial in a medical setting. The project has also deepened my cultural understanding, enabling me to build stronger relationships with Chinese-speaking individuals both personally and professionally. Although there’s still much more to learn, the project has equipped me with a strong foundation to build upon.

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

One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was participating in the classes. Although learning through online courses and mobile apps is convenient, the experience of being in a classroom with a teacher and classmates added a valuable dimension to my learning. Having the opportunity to learn with a teacher and classmates brought a sense of engagement and motivation that I might not have experienced otherwise. I was able to ask questions and get answers right away in the interactive setting, which really helped me comprehend and gain confidence. As a result, learning became more engaging and fun.

I also valued the fact that the interactions among classmates added to the enjoyment of the learning process. Learning together, sharing our challenges, and celebrating each other’s progress added an element of fun to the experience. The personalized feedback from my instructor was really useful in helping me improve my grammar and pronunciation, which made the entire learning process efficient and delightful.

I also enjoyed the practical application of what I was learning. Focusing on medical terminology and practicing it in context made the lessons relevant to my future career, which kept me motivated and engaged. Overall, the combination of interactive learning, real-time feedback, and practical application made the project both enjoyable and effective.

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

Learning new languange has always excites me. Besides Malay and English languages, I previously learn Japanese and Korean language. At the outset, I doubted whether I could learn Mandarin in just one month, given its reputation as one of the most challenging languages.

The biggest challenge I faced was mastering the pronunciation. Mandarin’s tonal nature means that slight variations in tone can change the meaning of a word entirely, which was difficult to grasp initially. Although my instructor noted my improvement, I still feel that my pronunciation needs work. Watching videos and volunteering to practice aloud during class sessions made a significant difference, but I recognize that more practice is needed.

Additionally, memorizing vocabulary and retaining new words posed a challenge, as the language’s structure and characters are vastly different from those I am familiar with. The volume of new characters and words I needed to learn in a short period was overwhelming at times, and I found it hard to retain everything.

Lastly, I tend to compare myself with my friends regarding their elective posting projects, especially those who did them overseas. Seeing their social media updates sometimes makes me envious of them. I often ask myself whether my project is good enough, especially since it was my backup plan and arranged at the last minute. However, in the end, I still enjoyed my project and feel proud of myself for completing this course.

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

Several aspects of this project were particularly successful. One of the key achievements was my ability to introduce myself and use simple greetings in Mandarin. This may seem like a small step, but for someone who started with no knowledge of the language, it represents significant progress. Being able to engage in basic conversations has boosted my confidence and made me more enthusiastic about continuing to learn Mandarin. These basic skills have given me a foundation upon which I can build further language proficiency.

Another success was my ability to construct simple sentences. Mastering the basics of sentence structure in Mandarin was a crucial milestone, and it has given me the confidence to experiment with the language in different contexts. Additionally, focusing on learning medical terms in Chinese was highly effective. This not only improved my language skills but also prepared me to communicate more effectively with Chinese-speaking patients, which was one of the primary goals of the project.

The structure of the course itself contributed to these successes. The combination of live classes, pre-recorded lectures, and supplementary resources provided a well-rounded learning experience that allowed me to practice and reinforce the material in various ways. This comprehensive approach was instrumental in helping me achieve the objectives of the project.

5. What can be improved in this project?

Initially, I had planned to volunteer at Petrosains KLCC, but since I did not get the offer on the last minute, I need to change my project and I chose to learn Mandarin language. This experience taught me the importance of having a backup plan, which would have allowed for a smoother transition.

Another area for improvement is the course’s level. While the Mandarin class was intended to be an introduction, I found it to be a bit too basic for my needs. Given my previous experience with language learning, I believe I could have benefited from a more advanced course. If I known this earlier, I would have opted for the next stage of the class, even if it required extending my learning period to two months.

Despite these suggestions for improvement, I thoroughly enjoyed the project and learned a great deal from it. This experience has shown me the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on new challenges. Learning Mandarin has been a rewarding experience, and I’m excited to continue building on the foundation I have established during this elective. This project has not only enriched my language skills but also broadened my cultural understanding, making it a valuable addition to my medical education.

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone!

It’s the final week! Congratulations everyone, you all deserve a pat on the back for making your project possible!

Please write, upload lots of pictures & videos in this final Padlet =)

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

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

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

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

5. What can be improved in this project?