My name is Azrina Ibrahim, matric number A191741, and this entry is written on the 21st August 2025.

2. Your progress so far

This week has been both fun and therapeutic. At the same time, it has been very exciting because we were given the responsibility to help handle a major event.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

For this week, I was first tasked with calling several police stations and major headquarters as part of the preparation for a huge event, the Etiqa Free Mammogram Screening at Menara Maybank. Honestly, at the beginning I felt very nervous and scared after all, I was calling the police to participate in this event. Thankfully, everything turned out to be fine. As long as I sent the proper email follow-ups, they were very cooperative.

Apart from that, we also had to prepare and pack many goody bags, and then head to the venue for the final event preparations. There were times when we were very hungry while waiting for tasks to be assigned, but it did not matter much because the excitement of contributing kept me going. I truly felt happy to be part of the team and to help in any way that I could.

During the event itself, everything went smoothly. To my surprise, my friends and I were suddenly given the responsibility to handle a group of volunteers and assign them different tasks. At first, it was shocking to be given such a big role, but in the end, it turned out to be a valuable opportunity to practice leadership and teamwork. It pushed me to be more assertive and confident in giving directions. One of the most unexpected moments was when the Minister of Communications suddenly took my phone I am still in shock about that until now!

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

I realised I have so much to learn about decision-making. Being assigned to lead on the spot taught me how important it is to stay calm, think clearly, and give directions confidently. As I was in charge of ushering and ensuring that the volunteers had enough energy to do the tasks I assigned, I had to decide quickly and communicate effectively. It was a huge learning curve, but I believe these experiences will really help me become more assertive and decisive in the future.

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

So far, I have been able to manage my time well. I feel balanced between volunteering and my other commitments, and I am glad that I can handle everything without feeling too overwhelmed.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Next week will be my last week in this elective posting. Even though it will soon come to an end, I still hope to join more volunteering activities and make the most of the remaining opportunities. Looking ahead, I also hope to continue volunteering in the future, as this journey has been so rewarding and meaningful to me.

2. ⁠Your progress so far

   This week, we volunteered at Taylor’s University and joined a meaningful sharing session where three cancer survivors courageously opened up about their journeys. We were joined by seven Taylor’s students, making the session feel lively and warm. 

   
   

   The theme of the session was potluck, which added a fun and interactive element. Each of us had to bring food starting with the first letter of our names. Since mine starts with “F,” I was torn between bringing Fries or Fanta. I decided on fries, as they felt more appropriate and thoughtful than carbonated drinks. I even cooked them myself and was happy to see everyone enjoy them! <3

   
   

   But the session wasn’t just about food, it was about connection. Listening to the survivors’ experiences gave me a deeper understanding of resilience, hope, and the emotional side of battling cancer. We also wrote heartfelt messages to the survivors as a gesture of appreciation for their strength and courage. It felt meaningful to leave behind words of encouragement that could inspire them further in their journey.

3. Your feelings and thoughts 

   I felt inspired and grateful for the opportunity to hear real-life stories of courage and survival. It was heartwarming to see how a simple sharing session could bring people together and create a safe space for empathy and support. Personally, I felt proud of myself for contributing positively, both through my participation and through the small gesture of preparing food for everyone.

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

   I learned that decision-making often requires sensitivity and awareness of others’ emotions. During the session, I chose to ask questions that would encourage the survivors to share more about their journey while being careful not to make them feel uncomfortable. I had to think on the spot about what was appropriate to ask, how to phrase my words, and when to speak so the conversation flowed naturally. This experience taught me how important it is to combine empathy with quick thinking, a skill I know will be valuable when interacting with patients in the future.

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

   I managed my time by creating a simple schedule to plan my activities around the volunteering sessions. This allowed me to stay organized and participate fully without feeling rushed. Since the program kept me busy during weekdays, I also made sure to set aside time to rest and enjoy my leisure activities during the weekends. This balance kept me focused and refreshed throughout the journey.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

   For my last week with MAKNA, we’ll attend a seminar on cancer education and awareness at Taylor’s University. I want to challenge myself to communicate more confidently with patients and survivors by initiating conversations, offering encouragement, and participating actively. My goal is to feel more comfortable expressing myself and fully enjoy my final week with MAKNA.

Name: Sharifah Adriana Risya binti Syed Ezmed

Matric Number: A196242

Date: 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025

2. Your progress so far

For the third week, MAKNA collaborated with students from Taylor’s University to organize a series of meaningful events. These sessions were joined by several cancer fighters along with enthusiastic student volunteers from the university.

This week’s sharing session with a cancer survivor was particularly unique, as it included students who were eager and excited to gain inspiration and life lessons from the survivor’s experiences.

In each session, we also exchanged heartfelt written messages with the survivors. For me, this was the most memorable activity, as it truly touched my heart and left a lasting impact.

Before the events began, we also assisted MAKNA’s staff in preparing a few things. Since the concept of the event was kept casual and relaxed, the organizers together with MAKNA suggested having a potluck. Each volunteer was encouraged to bring food that started with the first letter of their name, which made the activity both fun and meaningful.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt joyful and fulfilled this week as the events were conducted in a more casual setting. This allowed me to build closer connections not only with the survivors but also with the volunteers from Taylor’s University. I was also happy to make new friends from different courses, which made the experience even more meaningful.

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

I learned and applied the skill of decision-making in this EP journey by being involved in both the planning and execution of activities. For example, I had to manage my time effectively when helping the MAKNA staff with event preparations.

Apart from that, I also made decisions on how to best engage with the cancer survivors and volunteers, such as choosing when to ask questions and when to simply listen to their stories.

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

Throughout this EP journey, I managed my time by balancing my responsibilities as a volunteer and my personal commitments. Before each event, I made sure to set aside time to help the MAKNA staff with preparations, such as organizing the potluck and supporting the activities. During the events, I stayed present and fully engaged with both the survivors and fellow volunteers, which helped me make the most out of every session. I also allocated time after the events to reflect on my experiences, which allowed me to appreciate the meaningful connections I built and the lessons I gained.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For next week, we will be attending a seminar on cancer education and awareness at Taylor’s University. It will be a more formal event, featuring cancer survivors, a representative from MAKNA, and a speaker from Cancer Research Malaysia.

Matric number: A195610

Date: 16/8/2025 - 21/8/2025

2. Your progress so far
So far, my journey as a non-medical volunteer with the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM) has been both enriching and eye-opening. Over the past three weeks, I have gained exposure to the behind the scenes efforts of cancer awareness campaigns and health promotion activities. Specifically, in Week 3, I had the privilege of volunteering at the Launch of Phase 7 Free Mammogram Programme in collaboration with Etiqa, which was held at Bangunan Etiqa, Bangsar. The event was conducted on a large scale, attended by distinguished guests including YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and witnessed the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, organisers, and volunteers working toward the shared goal of promoting early breast cancer detection. My responsibilities ranged from pre-event preparations such as contacting organisations, packing goody bags, and assisting in venue set-up, to on the day tasks including preparing speeches for VIPs and managing the Pink Unity booth, where NCSM merchandise such as cancer pins were sold. Through these roles, I have been able to progressively build my skills in communication, organisation, and teamwork.

3. Your feelings and thoughts
This week’s experience left me both exhausted and inspired. While the day itself was long and physically tiring, I found it incredibly rewarding to witness the impact of a well-organised event in creating awareness and promoting cancer screening to the community. I felt proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to such a meaningful cause that directly benefits women’s health across the nation. At the same time, I realised that organising events of this magnitude is never straightforward there are always unexpected challenges and last-minute adjustments to handle. Observing how the organising team maintained composure and professionalism despite these hurdles taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision-making in your EP journey?
During this week, I learned that decision-making in a fast-paced event setting requires both quick thinking and calm composure. For example, when speeches needed to be prepared and delivered to the VIPs at the very last moment, I had to organise the documents efficiently and ensure they reached the right individuals without causing delay or confusion. Similarly, at the Pink Unity booth, I had to engage with members of the public, manage merchandise sales, and handle queries on the spot, all of which required me to make swift but thoughtful decisions to ensure smooth operations. From this, I understood that decision-making is not only about choosing the best solution but also about staying calm under pressure, communicating clearly with colleagues, and being adaptable when unexpected situations arise.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?
Time management has been a crucial element of my elective posting so far. In preparation for this large-scale event, I had to balance pre-event commitments such as calling organisations, packing goody bags, and assisting with venue setup, alongside my personal responsibilities as a medical student. On the day of the event, careful time management was essential in fulfilling my assigned tasks promptly, whether it was delivering speeches to the VIPs or manning the Pink Unity booth. I found that planning ahead, prioritising tasks, and working collaboratively with my peers helped me use my time effectively and reduce stress.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)
For Week 4, which marks the final week of my elective posting with NCSM, my plan is to attach and volunteer at NCSM's Headquarter in KL and continue giving my fullest commitment to the activities assigned to me while also taking time to reflect on the skills and knowledge I have gained over the past month. I hope to carry forward the lessons I have learned about communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability into my future journey as a medical student and eventually as a doctor.

Name: Loheswari a/p Krishnan
Matric Number: A195927
Date: 18 – 24 August 2025

2. Your progress so far

This week was different from the previous weeks because I was attached at the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) HQ for the entire week, apart from volunteering in one Jejak Kanser event.

Attachment in NCSM HQ:

• On the first day, we had a short introduction session on Clinical Breast Examination (CBE).

• I was given the task to do NCSR (National Cancer Screening Registry) data entry for past events in Seremban (Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3). Since there were many patients to key in, this task continued for several days. It improved my typing speed, accuracy, and understanding of how crucial proper documentation is.

• I also helped in packing Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits. I initially thought these kits came pre-packed, but I learned that they are actually prepared manually: printing labels, cutting, and assembling each pack carefully.

• We were given a short tour of NCSM across different floors. I was amazed to see the wide range of services provided:

  • Accommodation for children with cancer receiving treatment.

  • Psychological support such as counselling, nutrition services, and helplines for patients.

  • The ground floor, which includes breast examinations, mammograms, and cancer scans.
    This tour opened my eyes to how NCSM works holistically and not just in screenings but also in supporting patients throughout their journey.

• I also assisted in preparing event boxes for upcoming Jejak Kanser programs. The boxes had to be packed with numerous supplies such as Hepatitis B & C test kits, blood-taking equipment, FOBT samples, masks, and gloves. This experience showed me how much preparation and teamwork goes on behind the scenes before any outreach event.

  
  

Jejak Kanser WVO SJK(C) Bukit Tangga (24/8):

• My task was mainly at the registration counter and updating results in the master list.

• I introduced myself to participants, guided them through the forms, and assisted elderly attendees who were unable to write. Helping them fill in the necessary details was meaningful and taught me the importance of patience and empathy.

• I also helped in labelling blood test tubes by writing the participants’ names, IC numbers, and phone numbers. This made me realise how important neat and accurate labelling is to avoid confusion or errors later in the lab process.

  
  

3. Your feelings and thoughts

This week felt very different from the first two weeks because instead of being in the frontlines of screenings, I got to experience the behind-the-scenes work at NCSM. It made me appreciate how much effort and organisation goes into planning cancer awareness and screening programs.

• I felt grateful for the opportunity to explore multiple aspects of NCSM—from administrative work to event preparation and community engagement.

• The tour especially made me respect the holistic support system provided for cancer patients. I was touched to see that NCSM doesn’t only focus on screening but also on emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

• Volunteering at Bukit Tangga was also rewarding. Even simple tasks like registration and tube labelling required responsibility and attention to detail. I learned that every role, big or small, contributes to the success of an event.

  
  

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

I learned decision-making skills this week mainly through:

• Data entry for NCSR

  I had to decide how to correctly key in information, especially when handwriting on forms was unclear. I learned to double-check and clarify with supervisors before submitting.

• Registration at Bukit Tangga

  I had to decide how best to assist elderly participants either by explaining patiently or by helping them write their forms.

• Tube labelling

  I decided to slow down and write carefully, even if it took longer, because accuracy was more important than speed.

These small but important decisions helped me build confidence and responsibility in handling tasks.

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

Time management was important this week since tasks were repetitive and required stamina. Here’s how I managed:

• I broke large tasks (like NCSR entry) into smaller parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• During attachment, I stayed focused during working hours and avoided distractions, which made the work smoother.

• For the Jejak Kanser event, I managed my time by prioritising registration first, then updating results and labelling, ensuring nothing was missed.

• I also reminded myself to take short breaks, stay hydrated, and work in teamwork with other volunteers so that tasks were shared fairly.

  
  

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

• Gain more hands-on exposure during screenings (especially blood-taking and clinical breast examination, under supervision).

• Improve my communication skills further, especially in explaining procedures and screening importance to patients.

• Volunteer in more community events to balance both technical and interpersonal skills.

• Continue observing how staff coordinate events and learn how to manage logistics.

• Reflect more deeply on how cancer awareness can be improved in Malaysia and how I can contribute as a future doctor.

Name: Tharshwini A/P VR M Poorveeha Chelvan
Matric Number: A196203
Date: 18 – 24 August 2025

2. Your Progress So Far

This week I spent my time attached at the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) HQ, and also did volunteering at one Jejak Kanser event.

At NCSM HQ:

• On the first day, we had a short introduction session on Clinical Breast Examination (CBE).

• I was assigned to do National Cancer Screening Registry (NCSR) data entry for past events in Seremban. Since there were many patients to key in, this task continued over several days, that it improved my typing speed, and accuracy,

• I also assisted in preparing Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) kits. I initially assumed they came pre-packed but later learned the kits are carefully assembled by hand with labels, cutting, and packing.

• We were given a tour of NCSM, where I observed its holistic services—from accommodation for children with cancer, counselling, nutrition advice, and helplines, to screening services like mammograms, and scans. This widened my understanding of how NCSM supports patients beyond medical care.

• Another task I helped with was preparing event boxes for upcoming Jejak Kanser programs. These included Hepatitis B & C test kits, blood-taking sets, FOBT samples, gloves, and masks. I realised how much behind-the-scenes teamwork goes into preparing for outreach events.

Jejak Kanser WVO SJK(C) Bukit Tangga (24/8):

• I was mainly stationed at the BP measurement station and write the results in patients form for their reference; I also explained to them about the normal and abnormal bp ranges mainly to the elderlies which make me realise that many of them aren’t aware of their bp levels. It also helped me to refresh back my knowledge that I learned in medical school.

• I also helped in distributing the breast examination form to patients and let them know that we are providing free breast examination done by a female nurse in a private room.

________________________________________

3. Your Feelings and Thoughts

This week made me learnt a lot Instead of only being involved in screenings, I got to experience the behind-the-scenes effort that sustains NCSM’s work..

The tour helped me to understand how much of services that is being provided by NCSM to public with minimal charges which is very helpful for those who couldn’t afford an expensive treatments in private hospitals.

Volunteering at Bukit Tangga was a good learning and refreshing session as I could help patients to understand their bp values and also help myself to refresh back the knowledge I gain earlier.

________________________________________

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

I learned decision-making in small but important ways:

• Packing things for jejak kanser: Deciding how to properly arrange all the things so all of it can fit 3 boxes the space is limited .

• Blood pressure measurement: I had to decide on how best I can explain the reading to elderly patients and make them understand about their condition

• Distribute breast examination form:I had to decide how best I can explain the examination process so that patient gain the trust to undergo the examination without any hesitation

These decisions built my confidence and sense of responsibility in handling tasks.

________________________________________

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

Time management played a big role this week, as I have to handle multiple tasks and required focus:

• Staying disciplined during HQ attachment by focusing during work hours and avoiding distractions.

• During the Jejak Kanser event, I manage time by focusing on bp measurement first before explain to patient so once with the reading its easier and faster to make them understand

________________________________________

6. Your plan for next week(Week 4)

• Improve communication skills further, especially when explaining procedures and the importance of screenings to patients.

• Volunteer in more community events to balance technical and interpersonal learning.

• Learn more about different types of common cancers in Malaysia so that it will help in my understanding and easier to convivence patient to undergo screening

 Name: Nur Atirah Binti Abas

Matric number: A195355

Date: 16/8/2025-21/8/2025

2. Your progress so far

For this week, I joined the Etiqa Phase 7 Launching Event which was held at Dataran Maybank. It was a formal event attended by the Minister of Communications, who is also the YB of Lembah Pantai. The event included various booths such as breast cancer awareness and detection, merchandise stalls, and even a special room provided for breast check-ups. There was also a community workshop about the digital self-breast examination kit and a forum on breast cancer awareness. My friends and I were responsible for managing the volunteers assigned under us, where we had to distribute tasks and ensure smooth coordination. Besides that, I also helped in stage ushering during the event and also helped the pre event such as packing all the goodies .

3. Your feelings and thoughts 

I felt very grateful to be part of such a meaningful event. It was inspiring to see how health promotion can be carried out in a formal yet engaging manner, with the involvement of government representatives such as the Minister of Communications, who is also the YB of Lembah Pantai. His presence highlighted the importance of collaboration between different sectors in raising awareness about health issues. Personally, I felt proud to contribute, even in small ways, to an initiative that could potentially save lives through early detection and education.

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

Throughout these three weeks of my elective posting journey, I gradually developed and applied the skill of decision making in different settings. During the first week, I had to decide how to approach tasks that were new to me, such as interacting with the community and preparing materials for activities. I learned to weigh options quickly and choose what was most practical to ensure the event ran smoothly. By the second week, when handling health awareness activities, I had to make decisions about how to explain information to the public in the simplest way, tailoring my approach depending on whether I was speaking to adults, elderly people, or children. In the third week, at the Etiqa Phase 7 launching event, decision making became even more important, as I was responsible for delegating jobs to volunteers under me and assisting in stage ushering. This required me to consider each volunteer’s strengths and interests before assigning tasks, so that the work would be done efficiently. I realized that decision making is not only about choosing quickly, but also about analyzing the situation, considering others, and ensuring the best possible outcome for the team and the event.

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

 I managed my time throughout this elective posting journey by dividing my schedule between volunteering activities and my personal commitments. During the volunteering hours, I gave my full focus to the tasks assigned, such as assisting in health screenings, helping with crowd control, or coordinating volunteers. Outside of these hours, I made sure to allocate time for my own rest, and personal activities so that I did not feel overwhelmed or stressed. By planning ahead and setting priorities, I was able to balance my responsibilities well and ensure that both my volunteering and personal time were managed effectively.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For the upcoming week, my plan is to be attached at NCSM HQ. I will be involved in data entry for the National Cancer Screening Registry (NCSR). Besides that, I am also ready to help with other tasks if needed. Through this, I hope to gain exposure to how data is managed on a larger scale and contribute to the smooth running of ongoing projects.

Name: WILFRED CHEW MEE SHIN 

Matric Number: A194512

Date: 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 

2. Your progress so far

This week was a hectic one! I got accepted as a volunteer for a few events. I think this is a very busy week for NCSM as there were so many events happening at once. But the sad thing is that the Whatsapp volunteer groups were only created 1 day before the event. That being said, I returned back to KL one day before the volunteer events. Luckily there were bus tickets available! I had so much fun in JB but that’s a story for another day! Let me give a short summary of week 3. First I went to Ikano Power Centre (IPC) then Headquarters (yes they allowed me to come hehehe) to prepare for Etiqa launch then Etiqa launch then finally a “Jejak Kanser” program at a chinese school in collaboration with Lions’ Club. 

First up, IPC! My friends didn’t get posted here but it was fine I could get here using the MRT. Before going, I noticed that there was an IKEA nearby which meant Meatballs! On my way there, I was quite nervous as I didn’t really know how to walk there but then I met a volunteer on the way so we got lost together! When we arrived, we saw a group of people, whom I have never seen before. Apparently they’re from the marketing team and they were there to promote NCSM and do some fundraisers I think. At IPC there was not much to do as we were not allowed to draw blood there. So we did the basic screenings like Smokerlyzer and Hepatitis B & C Screens. The space they gave us was so tiny! But we did what we could given that tiny amount of space. All they gave us was one tiny table. One! Oh also, it was on a weekday, maybe that’s why the responses were below what we usually got but it’s okay! As it is a 4-day event, maybe the weekend team can get more! The one thing I remember the most was the mall kept playing the song “Golden” from KpopDemonHunter, REPEATEDLY?! ANGRY! Is there no other song on their playlist..  But it was fine! I had my meatball fix and nothing beats a Jet 2 Holiday Nola HAHAHA Good food heals the soul or something yes 

Next was Etiqa! One day before the Etiqa launch, I managed to join my friends at the office for preparations! The first thing the PIC said when she saw me was “Datang juga” HAHAHA Very cute interaction Oh for some reason, I don’t know why but people keep laughing at me but I guess it’s fine. We had to pack 200 boxes of doorgifts in the morning and then in the evening go to the event venue to set up and run the rehearsal. The PIC got some interns to help us with the packing. Let’s just say I rather they weren’t there. Thinking of it makes my blood boil! But it’s okay we focus on the good stuff. We basically did a lot of logistics work for the pre-event preparations but it was a lot and we ended that day around 10: 30 pm. Double OT! The next day we needed to be there by 7: 00 am as the PIC wanted to give us a last briefing before the event.

We’ve been upgraded! We were no longer the volunteers, but instead we were in charge of taking care of the volunteers. I was kinda shy though, like they probably have more experience than me but they have to listen to me (If that makes sense) Thankfully, everyone was very cooperative! My friends and I were mostly in charge of things that were happening during the launch, like moving the podiums, setting up tables and chairs for the discussions. Overall, it was a very successful launch, as per the PIC words hehe. So many wild stuff happened that day but it’s okay I’ll save it for some other time I think this reflection has become a little too long HAHAHA I really can yap hm 

Finally, the chinese school Jejak Kanser programme! Andddd we’re back to doing outreaches again! Familiar faces and familiar tasks! But this time it was special. I had to converse a lot in Chinese. At one point I didn’t know how to swap? Translate? Ah yes translate the words into Chinese then the uncles thought that I was Malay.. Is it a good thing? I honestly have no idea. Oh! Oh! The PIC in charge was the new PIC again! Hohohoo I think I have a new favourite PIC now! 

3. Your feelings and thoughts 

This week was a very tiring week. Probably because I had back-to-back-to-back events. However, it was worth it. I felt very, very happy. I enjoyed every second of it. Looking back at it now, I had no idea that volunteering could be this fun 😀I really appreciate everyone that I’ve met and known throughout this volunteering journey. A moment that really moved me was when they played a video where cancer survivors said “Thank you” I think my eyes were watery Wahh But I could not cry HAHAHA the PIC and Assistant Medical Director were standing beside me Hmmz But that was truly a very touching for me 😢

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

I learnt by watching and taking notes of what and how everyone carried out their tasks. Even the Assistant Medical Director was proactive in ensuring that the event ran smoothly. I respect that a lot. Instead of just standing and waiting for people to do the work, he takes the initiative to do it himself. That is definitely something I will try and apply in the future. Everyone is so amazing. 

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

Sleeping early to ensure that I get enough rest and energise for the back-to-back volunteering works! At the chinese school, NCSM’s truck driver was shocked to see me again after I had volunteered just the day before. Honestly, I was only sleeping two hours max a day throughout the course of this week. I had no idea how I survived but I did! Yeay! On days that didn’t have outreaches, I worked on my padlet.. Our electives are coming to an end, which means our holidays are coming to an end nooo I should probably do my laundry soon too. I’m running out of clothes to wear to outreaches. 

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Take time to recover my social battery after such a long week! Also wait for the E-mails to come again and see which events require volunteers. Marked my calendars for more volunteering opportunities, even after this Elective Posting period has ended. To most, it is an ending but personally, I feel like this is just the beginning 😎 Somewhere along the line, it wasn’t just about the hours anymore 

Name: Nur Ain binti Tayib

Matric num.: A195796

Date: 18/08/25-22/08/25

2. Your progress so far

In my third week, MAKNA collaborated with the AISEC association from Taylor’s University to organise a program that brought together cancer fighters and enthusiastic student volunteers. The atmosphere was lively, supportive, and full of warmth.

A highlight of the week was a sharing session with a cancer survivor. The students listened attentively, eager to draw inspiration from the survivor’s journey. Some volunteers also shared that they had relatives who suffered from cancer, which explained their interest in learning more about cancer survival. It was moving to see how much everyone valued the opportunity to learn from real-life experiences, making the session especially meaningful.

Another memorable activity was exchanging written messages with the survivors. Though simple, it carried deep meaning. Writing words of encouragement and receiving heartfelt notes in return created a genuine emotional connection that left a lasting impression on me.

Before the program began, we assisted the MAKNA staff with preparations. To create a cheerful and casual atmosphere, a potluck was organised where each volunteer brought food starting with the first letter of their name. This creative idea not only added fun but also helped everyone feel more relaxed and connected.

We also had the unique chance to speak with a male breast cancer patient. It was rare and inspiring to hear his story of diagnosis and treatment. His wife, who was also his caretaker, shared her perspective, giving us a new angle on the cancer journey. The patient himself said that while cancer is difficult for the patient, it can be an even greater challenge for caretakers who support them after each treatment. Listening to both sides was eye-opening and truly enriching.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt so grateful that I had the chance to hear more of the sharing from cancer survivors. It is so refreshing to have a sharing session in a casual setting. It feels easier to connect with the patients and survivors. I am inspired to hear their stories and their caretaker experiences. I am also happy to share our potluck with the survivors and volunteers from Taylor's University. It makes us feel closer with all the participants and I even made some friends from Taylor's.

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

I learned and applied the skill of decision-making in my EP journey by involving myself in the sharing session. I would ask questions to the survivor and one of the question I asked was what she thinks the role of her doctor in charge back then and how the medical practitioner could lessen her burden. I am not usually the one who try to make first conversation but in this EP journey, I have learned that the decision I made to be more involve in each activities will gives me more knowledge and experience. With this decision making, I am also improving myself to be more outspoken and engaged with people. as a result, I have made some friends throughout this EP journey and made a connection with some of the cancer survivors. This experience makes me grow to become a better person and hopefully a good doctor to all my patients in the future.

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

I managed my time by doing a personal schedule throughout this EP month. I clear my schedule for each of the days that I don't have physical meeting with MAKNA by learning more about common cancers in Malaysia. During weekdays, my activities are filled with gaining knowledges and involving myself with MAKNA volunteering programs. While in the weekends, I recharged myself by enjoying leisure activities and spending times with my family. To make sure I give all my efforts to the EP sessions, I carefully manage my schedule so that my personal affairs did not interrupts with the posting's requirements. By self arranged my time scheduled I felt more responsible and mature. This EP has helped me to become a better version of myself in every aspects.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For my last week with MAKNA volunteering, I will be attending a seminar which once again conducted by AISEC association in Taylor's University. This seminar is mainly to educate and raise awareness about cancer in Malaysia. There will also be some other NGOs that provide support for cancer patient in that seminar. For next week I aimed to be more productive and interact with more people. I also wished to learn about other cancer support organisations in Malaysia. I would loved to enjoy my last week of EP with learning more about cancer and its supports.

Name : Rinishaa a/p Selva Retnam

Matrics Number : A196285

Date : 18/08/2025 - 24/08/2025

2. Your progress so far

This week, I was attached at the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) for the entire week, participating in one major event and various preparatory tasks. On the first day, we had a brief orientation that included a short briefing on Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and data entry. The briefing introduced the principles of breast examination, what findings to look for, and the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Although we did not perform hands-on examinations, observing the process and understanding the documentation gave me insight into the practical aspects of cancer screening. Following the briefing, I assisted with data entry from a previous health screening program in Seremban into the National Cancer Screening Registry.This task was detailed and time-consuming because the scanned documents were not organized systematically, requiring me to scroll through numerous files in Google Drive to locate each participant’s clinical breast examination results.While frustrating at first, this taught me patience, precision, and the importance of thoroughness in administrative tasks that support patient care.

Apart from data entry, I helped prepare for upcoming events, particularly iFOBT (Immunochemical Fecal Occult Blood Test) kits, which are used for colorectal cancer screening. Each kit contained multiple items such as instructions in four languages, buffer solution, specimen bags, and other materials. Preparing these kits involved printing, cutting, folding, and checking that every kit was complete.Additionally, I assisted in organizing other instruments and supplies, such as Hepatitis B and C kits, smokerlyser machines with mouthpieces, blood tubes, cotton swabs, and blood pressure machines, all depending on the number of participants.During the week,Ms. Fion, gave us a tour of the NCSM building, which helped me understand its multi-faceted operations:

• Ground floor: Cancer Screening and Health Clinic, Nuclear Medicine Centre offering subsidized cancer screening and other health services.

• First floor: Resource and Wellness Centre, providing psychosocial support, counseling, dietetics, and cancer survivor support programs.

• Second floor: Corporate offices.

• Third floor: HELPP (Health Education, Lifestyle, and Preventive Program) and Patient Access Programme (PAP), which provides subsidized medicines and therapeutics for eligible patients.

• Fourth floor: Children’s Home of Hope, a transit home for adult and pediatric cancer patients who travel from afar for treatment.

• Basement: Storage area for event materials. We had to locate and pack all kits here several days in advance to ensure readiness.

At the end of the week, I volunteered at the Jejak Kanser event at SJK(C) BUKIT Tangga, which coincided with a blood donation drive organized by KKM. I managed the Hepatitis B and C station, which was initially overwhelming due to the large number of participants. Over time, I became more confident in guiding participants, managing workflow, and ensuring accuracy. This hands-on experience made me feel more competent and resilient in handling real-world public health events.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the workload, particularly the data entry task, which was slow and required meticulous attention. Searching for clinical breast examination results amid disorganized files was frustrating, but I soon realized that accuracy and patience were more important than speed. Preparing iFOBT kits and organizing instruments taught me the value of careful planning, teamwork, and foresight.The building tour gave me a deeper appreciation of how diverse services—from screening and diagnostic testing to psychosocial support and patient transit homes—come together to provide holistic care. Volunteering at the Jejak Kanser event was both stressful and rewarding. I felt responsible for participants’ safety and smooth flow at my station, which boosted my confidence and reinforced the importance of practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

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

Decision-making was essential throughout the week. For data entry and kit preparation, I had to decide the most efficient method to organize materials, cross-check results, and ensure nothing was missed. At the event, I had to make real-time decisions about participant flow, such as prioritizing who to assist next and how to manage crowded situations safely. These experiences taught me to think critically, anticipate challenges, and adapt quickly—skills that are invaluable in clinical and public health settings.

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

Managing time effectively was a constant challenge. I allocated specific periods for data entry, kit preparation, and event volunteering, using checklists to ensure every task was completed systematically. This approach helped me maintain efficiency without compromising quality. I also learned to balance preparatory work with event responsibilities, ensuring I contributed meaningfully to every stage of the process.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Next week, I plan to take on more responsibilities in event coordination, particularly in managing stations and assisting with participant guidance. I also aim to improve efficiency in administrative tasks like data entry and kit preparation by applying strategies I developed this week. Additionally, I want to learn more about psychosocial support services, cancer survivor programs, and the Patient Access Programme, to gain a broader understanding of patient-centered care and holistic cancer support.

Name: Keshwini Gobalakrishnan

Matric number: A195104

Date: 24/08/2025

2. Your progress so far

Progress has been great! Week 3 was a really interesting week for me as I encountered situations that tested my adaptability.

One of the major health programs that I volunteered at was held at Dewan Serbaguna Kota Damansara. There was a Health Day organised for the community there and NCSM participated in it. Before I explain about my tasks and roles that day let me share about the huge challenge that we experienced that day.

Due to some miscommunication, the organisers of the event said that there was no booth that had been booked for NCSM, despite us having proof of a successful booking. They could also could not fit us in the hall last minute as the hall was already full of health booths and there was no space left inside for us. After a whole hour of discussing with the organisers back and forth, they finally allocated us a spot outside the hall in a tent. Unlike previous events that were indoors and air-conditioned, this time we were under the hot sun. The weather did not help us that day was it was scorching and the heat was unbearable. However, we still continued working without any complaints. We thought all the challenges ended there but we were wrong. Towards the end of the event, it suddenly started to rain very heavily. The wind was so strong that our tents almost flew off. All of us had to hold the tent down together until the rain slowed down. Despite all these difficulties, we still managed to hold a successful event.

The task that I was assigned with was blood labelling. It was quite a simple task but also very important. Every blood sample needed to be correctly matched with the patient’s detail, or else there would be serious consequences later in screening or reporting. Therefore, I made sure that I was very careful and had full concentration when carrying out the tasks. I also had to label all the screening test the participants were eligible for according to their package. Other than that I made sure the blood samples were quickly packed in coolers as the hot sun might alter them.

The next event was at Dewan Serbaguna Sri Desa Rishah. Here I assisted the nurse during clinical breast examination and pap smears. We were stationed in a moving clinic, which was fun and interesting as it was my very first time. My role that day was to prepare the patients before the procedures, and to explain briefly what was going to be done. I also tried my best to make them feel and ease and reassure them. Many participants were nervous, which helped me learn how important it is to make a patient feel comfortable during procedures. During the procedures I helped nurse by handing over the instruments and made sure to maintain the patients privacy. I also helped label the pap smear slides.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt quite overwhelmed at first due the challenges faced at kota damansara. Having no booth space, working under the hot sun and later on facing heavy rain all at once was quite a lot to handle. But I was very proud of me and my team as we did not give up and managed to pull of another successful event. I realised that challenges are normal and a part of community work and I am grateful to have experienced it. I also was grateful to be given the opportunity of assisting on clinical procedures. I became even more confident interacting with patients and providing them a safe space. It was also great to observe how professional and full of empathy are healthcare professionals

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

Decision making was definitely a very important skill I learned throughout this journey. In almost all of the events I was tested the ability to make the right decision no matter how small or big they may be. For an example the kota damansara event where we had to decide quickly whether to argue further, cancel or accept the alternative given. We decided to choose the best decision which would benefit the community and continued with the event. It was not an easy choice as the weather was not cooperating and we did not have access to power points but this was the only way to ensure the community didn’t lose access to our services. Also when the rain started we shifted of responsibilities to hold the tent down and ensure safety first until the weather got better. These moments showed me that decision making involves being flexible and prioritising urgent needs.

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

Managing my time during this EP journey required balancing between attending health events and doing research for my elective posting. On event days, I was usually occupied for long hours with responsibilities and tasks. These tasks required my full attention and energy, so I focused on giving my best during the events.

Whenever i got time outside of the events, I dedicated time to researching more about my elective posting, such as understanding which cancers are most common in Malaysia and the communities that are most affected. This research gave me better background knowledge and helped me connect what I saw during events with the bigger picture of cancer prevention and awareness in the country.

To manage both, I planned my week in advance by keeping my event days free of research commitments, while setting aside non-event days for reading and writing. Sometimes I also used some time in the evenings to review articles or take notes. By separating my schedule this way, I managed to stay consistent with both practical fieldwork and research without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

My plan for Week 4 is to,

• Review my goals and objective and make sure they are achieved

• Take on different tasks from past weeks to learn new skills and knowledge

• I also want to prepare more ahead of events after what happened at kota damansara such as carry small essentials for the group such as bottled water, hand fan and notepad.

• I also want to help logistics in setting up and cleaning up as i realise their team is small.

• I also want to take more initiative rather than just waiting for instructions

2. Your progress so far
During my third week, we spent every day of the week in the NCSM office, from 9am to 5pm, because on Saturday at the end of the week, we had a huge event coming up which was the Phase 7 of ETIQA’s mammogram launch. Therefore, we spent a lot of our time preparing for the event.

During the earlier days of the week, we were guided on how to do data entries, and as the event date drew nearer, we helped with packing goodie bags and rehearsals. On the day of the event itself, our supervisor, Miss Sathiya, specifically wanted my friends and me to be the lead volunteers. We were heavily relied upon to make sure the flow of the event would go smoothly. I was in charge of ushering the VIPs as well as helping with stage management. This was something completely new for me, but I was able to get the hang of it and adapt to the flow quickly.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who was the VIP of the event. Thankfully, the event went smoothly without any mishaps, and both our supervisor and her boss expressed their gratitude towards us, which made me feel really happy. The boss, who was the Vice President of NCSM, even offered to write each of us recommendation letters as an appreciation for making the event so successful.

3. Your feelings and thoughts
I felt happy and grateful as I did not expect to play such a vital part in making this event successful. Initially, I was unsure whether I had the set of skills to contribute in such a big way, so it was a nice experience to learn something new about myself—that I was capable. At the same time, I also learned from the event itself: what aspects were done right and in what ways future events could be improved, in the case that I would ever want to organise one myself.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?
I mainly applied decision-making skills during the ETIQA mammogram launch event. As one of the main volunteers, I had to help segregate tasks among the rest of the volunteers under me. This included deciding which stations I would place them at, who would replace whom, and how long each shift would be.

Because there were so many stations—from the registration counter to booths and the breast cancer screening station—I had to decide how many volunteers were required at each one and actively monitor from there, in case any station needed more manpower or if I could decrease the number of volunteers at a certain station. I’d say this not only improved my decision-making but also helped me strengthen my communication skills.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?
Throughout the weekdays, since I had to go to the office from 9am–5pm every day, I had to discuss with my friends what time we planned to leave, especially since the morning peak-hour jam would take up a lot of time. I also had to drive from home to college in the morning to pick up my friends, which meant I needed to wake up slightly earlier. This also meant I had to go to sleep earlier at night.

These adjustments made me more conscious of how I spent my time after 5pm once I got home. I made sure to discuss plans with my friends early on about what time we would be meeting up the next day, and I always tried to squeeze in some personal time for myself, whether it was reading or watching movies. I did not want my day to end the moment I got back from the office.

I think this skill of time management was important to cultivate, especially for the future when we become working adults. Many tend to feel too tired from work and end up having no life outside of it, so learning to manage my time in this sense felt valuable to me.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)
My plan for the upcoming week is to continue to learn and grow in the office setting. I hope to gain as much knowledge and skills as I can before ending the elective posting. I will also be having my final Jejak Kanser outreach program, where I hope to assist in a station that I have not yet done in these past three weeks.

2. Your progress so far

In Week 3, I was mainly involved in the Refugee Clinic initiative, a collaboration between NCSM and Doctors on Ground (DnG). Unlike previous weeks where I joined existing programmes, this week I was actively engaged in both planning and implementation.

We successfully organised two refugee clinics:

• Taman Desa Bakti

• Al-Ikhlas Taman Seri Murni (Selayang)

These areas are home to many Rohingya and Myanmar refugees, and the clinics were designed to provide:

• Basic health screenings (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes checks, anaemia screening)

• Specialised women’s health care

• Nutrition support and food provisions to encourage community participation

• Health education sessions and mental health awareness

The initiative combined immediate healthcare provision with a data-driven approach, aiming to build a sustainable healthcare framework for this underserved community.

I gained experience not only in clinical aspects but also in event organisation, which included:

• Contacting stakeholders for sponsorship and support

• Communicating with community leaders to assess needs

• Sourcing appropriate venues

• Recruiting and coordinating volunteers

2. Your feelings and thoughts

This week was one of the most meaningful and eye-opening experiences of my elective posting. Unlike structured corporate health screenings, the refugee clinics revealed the complex challenges faced by marginalised populations in accessing healthcare in Malaysia.

I realised that refugees face multiple barriers, including:

• Legal status and fear of seeking formal healthcare

• Financial limitations, making even basic care unaffordable

• Language barriers, which hinder communication and trust with healthcare providers

I also observed significant unmet health needs such as undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension, and anaemia, as well as mental health issues like stress and trauma, particularly among women. Nutrition-related problems were common due to food insecurity.

The experience deepened my understanding that doctors must adapt their approach when treating vulnerable populations, taking into account social, cultural, and legal contexts in addition to medical issues.

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

This week required frequent decision-making, both in planning and during the clinics. Examples include:

• Planning stage: Deciding which services to prioritise based on community needs and available resources (e.g., balancing between women’s health, screenings, and nutrition).

• Event day: Making quick decisions when resources were limited, such as reorganising patient flow when demand exceeded capacity.

• Communication: Choosing how best to explain health issues in simple terms across cultural and language barriers.

I learned that effective decision-making in such settings requires a balance between practicality and compassion—focusing on what is feasible with available resources while still addressing the community’s most pressing needs.

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

Time management became especially crucial this week as I had to balance planning responsibilities with on-site work. I managed this by:

• Preparing a timeline and checklist for tasks (venue sourcing, sponsorship calls, volunteer recruitment).

• Coordinating closely with teammates to divide responsibilities.

• Setting aside specific hours each day for communication with stakeholders, leaving event days free for direct clinic work.

• Reflecting on previous weeks’ experiences with high patient loads, I ensured smoother patient flow by setting realistic expectations with the community about waiting times.

This helped me stay organised, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure the clinics ran smoothly.

5. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

For Week 4, I plan to:

• Explore other community health programmes run by NCSM.

• Take initiative to participate more actively in health talks or patient education sessions.

• Reflect on the overall elective posting experience and prepare my final report, highlighting key skills gained such as communication, decision-making, time management, and community engagement.