My initial stage learning experience at XCore! I met Mr. Albert (my supervisor), and he gave me a brief explanation about the company and their products. He also gave me the permission to take a look around the office and the worksite.

At first I thought XCore only provide dialysis equipment, but Mr. Albert mentioned that they also provide other medical equipment and disposables such as chemicals, clinical waste bins, and dressing trolleys.

I feel amazed to realise how big XCore as a company is as I strolled around their office because I can see a wide range of medical appliances everywhere. I guess this may explain my curiosity before about where all the equipment from healthcare settings (like HCTM) comes from.

Two words to describe my elective posting so far are excited and anxiety. I'm excited to learn more about their flagship products, which are the RO system and dialyser reprocessor, and it feels a bit of anxiety because I'm going to learn all these technical things as I'm solely from a medical background.

My plan for the next phase is to learn the basis of the RO system and dialyzer reprocessor because I will be taught by Mr. Albert and his team about it (how it works).

A189487

2 August 2024

Getting Started

In the beginning of the course, I was required to familiarize myself with a statistics oriented programming language called R, and i began learning this language via a tutorial package from the R repository. Although I've had previous experience in handling statistical software such as SPSS, this was completely different as I had to write the code from scratch for whatever function was required. I quickly realized that this meant i have to truly understand what function i would like to perform in order to string a chain of command and data to produce the values that i required.

Introduction to Exploratory Analysis

As I slowly got familiar with the R language, I delved deeper into the course where i began basic data analysis which involves elements such as histograms, Q-Q plots and boxplots. In this section, compared to just inputting data and generating a picture in other softwares, I had to manually key in lines and lines of codes that specified how i want each image to turn out, highlighting what data to present, what headings to use and how to set the titles and so on.

Learning something new for the first time and immediately applying the gained knowledge surely was exhilarating for me, moreover learning something that's a completely different field compared to medicine and medicine-related stuff is a break that i didn't know i could use. It has been a good experience so far and can't wait to explore more of the available functions for a statistical programming language such as this.

Next week i will be studying Random Variables and Probability Distributions, which I think should be easy as I've been familiarized with these concepts since AsasiPintar. We will also look into Central Limit Theorem, which I'm not so sure about, so I can't wait to learn about that too.

I must admit, moving from one event to another back-to-back, even on weekends, can be quite exhausting. While everything is exciting and enjoyable, the real challenge isn't waking up at 5:45 a.m. every morning—it's navigating through the relentless traffic of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening, and especially when moving between multiple locations. It’s been some time since I’ve felt this overwhelmed during discussions or meetings, which reminds me of how challenging and fast-paced this environment can be.

Interning at Parliament comes without a fixed set of responsibilities, requiring me to juggle multiple tasks across various fields. From drafting official meeting records and public statements to interacting with the public, media, ministers, and other VIPs, I’ve had to quickly adapt to a wide range of roles. While this diversity of experience is exciting, it’s also incredibly draining, as I’m balancing overlapping events, managing responsibilities with external student organizations, and coordinating three separate events simultaneously.

On top of all that, I also have personal responsibilities, being the only son in my family and needing to assist my parents with various matters. There are days when I leave home at 6:30 a.m. and don’t return until 11 p.m. or even midnight. As a result, although I’m doing my elective locally, I’ve barely had time to spend with my family. The demanding schedule has left me feeling stretched thin at times, but the learning opportunities and personal growth I’ve gained have made it all worthwhile.

5. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

The two main challenges I faced during this elective were dealing with the traffic and adjusting to the fast-paced environment of Parliament. In terms of traffic, I realized that the best solution was to wake up earlier to beat the rush and carefully pre-plan all my trips. I also made it a point to explore alternative routes, which helped me avoid some of the worst congestion. It required a lot of discipline and planning, but it significantly reduced the stress of commuting.

Adapting to the dynamic environment of Parliament was another major hurdle. To cope, I applied the same approach I use in medical studies: being proactive, staying motivated, and ensuring I was well-prepared for every task or meeting. Whenever I made mistakes, I made sure to apologize, learn from them, and quickly move forward. This mindset allowed me to stay grounded in an environment where things can change rapidly, and decisions need to be made on the spot.

I am particularly grateful to YB Howard’s special officer and the other interns at Parliament. Their guidance and support were invaluable as I navigated unfamiliar territory. They not only helped me understand the workings of Parliament but also made me feel part of the team, which greatly eased the process of adapting. Their mentorship allowed me to learn on the go and cope with the pressures of such a fast-paced setting.

6. 2 words to describe elective posting progress so far:

• Exciting & Hectic. 

7. Your plan for the next 2 weeks (Phase 2):

• Participate in Parliamentary Sessions: Attend ongoing parliamentary proceedings and engage in several RUU meetings to gain insights into legislative processes related to healthcare.

• Bowling Training: Continue training for the MMA National Bowling Tournament to enhance my skills and contribute to my team's performance.

• Volunteer for Health Initiatives: Take part in the MMI Public Health Initiative for cervical cancer screening and the Doctors on Ground health screening at PPR Desa Rejang KL to support community health efforts.

• Engage in Parliamentary Briefings: Attend the Medical Act briefing with parliamentary members and participate in discussions, including a visit with university students (Law) and a meeting with a PhD student from Stanford regarding Malaysia's fuel subsidy policy.

2. What have you done?

Before diving into the details of what I have accomplished, I’ll provide a brief overview of my elective. My posting lasted 8 weeks, segmented into four phases:

• Phase 1 (22/6 – 7/7) and Phase 2 (8/7 – 21/7): Parliament of Malaysia

• Phase 3 (22/7 – 4/8) and Phase 4 (5/8 – 18/8): Medical Ethics & Health Law (MELD) Department at UiTM, including attaching with the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), and court hearings.

  
  

Phase 1: Parliament of Malaysia

My primary focus during the 1st and 2nd phases was the Parliament of Malaysia, which was in session for 15 days across four weeks. While this period was largely dedicated to the Health Law component of my elective, I also managed to attend medical ethics events, participate in an international leadership conference, and even train for the MMA National Bowling Tournament, scheduled for the final day of Phase 2.

Parliament:

I began my internship under YB Howard Lee, the Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur. I had the privilege of attending a meeting on the current status of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) alongside key political figures like YB Puan Vivian Wong (Sandakan) and YB Dato Mohd Isam (Tampin), as well as representatives from the Ministry of Education (KPM). My responsibilities included drafting a report and a public statement summarizing the discussion, which would later contribute to the Majlis TVET Negara Meeting, where 12 ministries convened to discuss new policies and resource allocation for TVET.

Being a student, I was allowed to actively question the resource allocation and the overall efficacy of the TVET Program based on the ministry’s report. After this full-day event, we had a chance to engage in a lively debate over dinner about the policies to be discussed in Parliament, such as the Medical Act which is going to be discussed in the final week of parliament.

My involvement with Malaysian Medics International (MMI), particularly as the External Relations Director, and my recent experience organizing a debate on the parallel pathway issue with Code Blue, allowed me to contribute my own insights during these discussions. Having previously engaged in a discussion with UiTM’s Prof Raja (Cardiothoracic Surgeon who was involved in the debate) on this topic, I felt well-prepared to delve into such complex issues.

Medical Ethics:

In Phase 1, I participated in three key medical ethics-related events. My supervisor, Dr. Mark Tan from the UiTM Medical Ethics & Law Department, played a guiding role throughout. While my official posting at UiTM didn’t begin until Phases 3 and 4, I took full advantage of the opportunities to deepen my understanding of medical ethics early on.

• Event 1: Navigating Succession and Estate Planning in Malaysia
  We were invited to give a talk on Mental Incapacity, to see whether it was a Medical or Legal issue and how we can navigate that issue and the lacuna in Malaysian Laws about this issue. The conference was actually about Navigating Succession and Estate Planning in Malaysia. I also had the opportunity to meet with medico-legal professionals from both Malaysia and Singapore, some of whom I would later work with during court sessions.

• Event 2: Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
  I visited the MMC and observed Disciplinary Board hearings between doctors and patients. Witnessing these hearings firsthand was eye-opening. While I could empathize with patients’ grievances, I also recognized the immense pressure doctors face, trying to balance ideal practices with the daily realities of healthcare. The prolonged process of these hearings—some cases taking up to five years—underscored the complexities of medical accountability in Malaysia. It felt like the system was often stacked against the doctors, who are expected to perform flawlessly year-round.

• Event 3: Palliative Care & Ethics Course
  At the "Guide to Essential Conversation" course at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), I was struck by the intricate relationship between palliative care and medical ethics. The course deepened my understanding of key ethical dilemmas, such as the difference between euthanasia and the withdrawal or withholding of treatment (W&W). We explored the ethical implications of collusion in patient care, focusing on autonomy and decision-making. I also learned about non-verbal pain assessment using the FLACC scale, key signs of dying in critically ill patients, and the use of the SPICT tool to identify patients at risk of deterioration.

  
  

Bowling:

During this period, I also committed to preparing for the MMA National Bowling Tournament. As an active member of the MMA, I wanted to represent medical students in the competition, which featured mostly seasoned doctors. I trained consistently, aiming to maintain a score of 150 throughout my practice sessions. My team comprised two of my Year 3 UKM batchmates, and we were the only student team participating in both the individual and team events.

Additional Events:

In the interest of maximizing my elective period, I also attended two notable events:

• One Young World ASEAN Leadership Forum
  I attended the One Young World ASEAN Leadership Forum, witnessing fellow youth leaders inspiring action across Southeast Asia. We delved into critical topics like climate and ecological crises, artificial intelligence, health, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Connecting with over a hundred like-minded individuals from 16 countries, both in-person and virtually, was truly amazing. The event sparked meaningful conversations and connections, and I was able to learn from and talk about health ethics and policy with some medical professionals who attended the event as well.

• Academy For Silent Mentor & Incision Malaysia’s Literature Review Writing Workshop
  I am a part of these societies and have also participated in many of their meaningful events, thus I decided to learn what I could while I had the time. The session was led by Dr. Noraishah Mydin Haji Abdul Aziz, a prominent figure in research and Malaysian politics, from whom I gained invaluable insights into conducting impactful research.

  
  

3. Points to remember from Phase 1!

• Engaging in diverse fields such as politics, financial management, and health law demands quick adaptability and a solid grasp of ongoing discussions. It’s essential to take the initiative and ask questions when unsure, while maintaining a positive and motivated mindset. Every new field presents a learning curve, and recognizing this early on helps in pushing through challenges and achieving success.

• Despite being only 21 years old and lacking extensive experience in Malaysian governance and policies, I’ve come to realize that critical thinking and the ability to make constructive arguments can help bridge this gap. Just as we prepare thoroughly for clinical teaching sessions, I found that conducting background research on the topics at hand—such as reviewing the Ministry of Education’s reports—was key to understanding the trends and statistics they presented. This preparation enabled me to engage meaningfully in discussions, providing well-informed analysis. My years of experience in debate have also been incredibly valuable, particularly in identifying inconsistencies and presenting findings clearly. This skill allowed me to ask insightful follow-up questions and offer practical suggestions during discussions, further strengthening my ability to contribute in these multidisciplinary settings.

2. For my first week of elective posting, I have started a course titled 'Fundamentals of Digital Marketing' by Google Digital Garage. In this week, I have accumulated many new fundamental marketing skills, as well as familiarized myself with the structure of the course. I discovered marketing concepts together with able help from instructors at Google and the possibilities of digital marketing over the conventional ones. This helped me to get a picture of how I would apply these strategies in a real business setting. I also came to know about search engines that how they go through immense amount of websites to come up with best results in least time. There were more lectures on basic principles of web design, and we will continue to make it our priorities to break down, summarize, and to educate so that anyone can understand our website. From there, it was necessary to know more complex details in regards to web design to focus on our particular website’s design such as navigation bars, hyperlinks, search bars, and other features.

3. Thus, the following points would remain top-of-mind: basic marketing strategies of companies, whether online or offline, making a website, the benefits of search engine marketing online, and how search engines identify relevant sites for users.

4. I am feeling excited because I believe I am starting to get a handle on how digital marketing works as well as a multitude of utilities that are out there in order to make it as easy as possible for a noob to marketing like myself.

5. In my opinion, up to this course I did not encounter any problem as the lessons given were clear and uncomplicated. The lessons so far in fundamental wise was also simple and can be learnt easily.

6. Interesting and excited

7. For week 2, my plan is to keep learning through the lessons so that I can finish this 40 hour course by week 3 and continue my remaining 15 hour supplemental course for marketing in week 4.

A182263

29/07/2024

I’ve enrolled myself into an online mathematics class in which the period of learning is for 3 weeks and they’ve provided numerous topics to cover on especially statistics where I really need to brush on my skills in order to excel in my SSM which is around the corner. The main purpose of my enrollment is because I have some difficulties on my calculations even though I used to love mathematics. When I entered into medical school, I didn’t really focus on my mathematics skills in which I felt a sudden drop on the skill which I had developed since primary. On Day 1, they had focused on a specific topic, which is algebra expression and equation where initially they thought about the basic of it that we have learned during our secondary, every time the session ends, they will provide with some homework in which we have to check the answers on the next day. As the session prolongs, the topic became a step higher till they thought us university level algebra that sums up the entire topic.

The most important thing that I have remembered during the session is that a formula is an equation that uses variables to express a relationship between two or more quantities. Besides that, I’ve also learned a few things such as fundamental operations, which is the basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), variables and expressions that includes combining like terms and applying the distributive property. equations and inequalities, in which we need to pay attention to the properties of equality and how to isolate the variable, functions including function notation, domain, and range, factoring, graphing, quadratics and many more.

I felt lost at beginning and didn’t really know what to do since I’m very new to that level and couldn’t really cope up with it because it was really tough. Eventually I tried my level best to solve it and I could proudly say that I know how to do some of the university level algebra. The one motivator throughout my entire elective posting would be my uncle because he stated that even though it may seem hard, as long you know the formula, everything will be clearer soon.

 In addition, with that, two words to describe my elective posting would be difficult and surprise, it was difficult since I’ve left my mathematics era for 5 years without even brushing on it and it was a surprise that I still have the skill on doing it especially when it comes to the university level mathematics. My plan for next week is to study hard and try to cover as much as possible on calculus topic in order for me to have a smooth sailing throughout the entire session.

1. Yong Wei Ming, A181877, 14th July 2024.

2. For my first week of elective posting, I have started an online course titled 'Fundamentals of Digital Marketing' by Google Digital Garage. In this week, I have accumulated new fundamental marketing skills, as well as familiarized myself with the structure of the course. I discovered marketing concepts with plenty of help from instructors at Google and the possibilities of digital marketing over the conventional ones. This helped me to get a picture of how I could apply these strategies in a real business setting. I also came to know about search engines and how they go through immense number of websites to produce the best results in the quickest time. There were more lectures on basic principles of web design, and they continue to prioritize breaking down, summarizing, and educating so that anyone can understand the website. From there, it was necessary to know more complex details regarding web design to focus on the particular website’s design such as navigation bars, hyperlinks, search bars, and other features.

3. The following points would be a highlight: basic marketing strategies of companies, whether online or offline, making a website, the benefits of search engine marketing online, and how search engines identify relevant sites for users.

4. I am feeling excited as I am starting to get a handle on how digital marketing works, as well as a multitude of utilities that are out there to make it as easy as possible to learn as a beginner to marketing myself.

5. In my opinion, up until this point of the course, I have not encountered any problem as the lessons given were clear and uncomplicated. The lessons so far in the fundamentals were also simple and easily understood.

6. Interesting and excited.

7. My plan for week 2 is to complete the basics and learn more complex parts of the course to increase my understanding and successfully finish the 40-hour course by week 3 to continue my remaining 15 hour supplemental course for marketing in week 4.