Message from MSDC Director

Salam sejahtera

2009-04-30T09:40:00.001-07:00

1. It’s an honor to serve the Malaysian Student Department of Chicago – Midwest Region.

2. I thank the former MSD Director - Pn. Rohana Zulkifli; and Education Attaches - En. M Azmi Ruzali, Pn. Enson Din and Ustaz Wan Jamaludin Wan Bidin for the job well done in administering the department and serving Malaysian students in the midwest region.

3. These tasks are now being continued by a new team led by me, and Education Attaches - Pn Rozita Rosli and two other officers (ETA any time soon); and assisted by existing dedicated supporting staff - Pn. Masziah Ahmad, En. Gamal Y Jamaludin and En. Abd Rahman Nawi.

4. Malaysian students are required to register with MSD. The purpose is to provide you with support such as student development and welfare. I have lived for more than six years abroad as both undergraduate and postgraduate student, witnessed many instances where the support of MSD were crucial and being sought after. You may experience these instances too; hence with you registering, cooperating and working together with us, support can be delivered.

5. The Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia is promoting the MSDs as the contact point in connecting international universities in conducting cooperation and affiliation with academic institutions and organizations in Malaysia. This role is part of MSDs’ mission worldwide. Input regarding universities where students are studying is very much welcomed and appreciated.

6. As everybody is aware that the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza is now widespread, students as well as Malaysians everywhere are required to take extra care of their health.

7. Ramadhan is just around the corner, I take this opportunity to wish all muslim students and Malaysians a blessed Ramadhan.

Stay healthy, stay safe and stay focus especially in your studies.

Roslan Jamaludin, PhD.
MSD Chicago
Aug 5, 2009

2008's

2009-04-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Festival of Lights: Happy Deepavali
SALAM AIDILFITRI, One and All………
RAMADHAN AL MUBARAK 1429H/2008M
SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI MERDEKA KE 51
WELCOME TO THE MIDWEST

NEW YEARS ….. NEW BEGINNINGS….. AND NEW RESOLUTIONS……

2009-01-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

As Malaysians we have much to be thankful for. We have been blessed with the ability to experience the dawning of the New Year. The months of December (2008) and January (2009) have been very meaningful to us Malaysians. For the Muslims, the first month of the Islamic calendar year is Muharram and the first day of Muharram was celebrated on Dec. 29th 2008. The Islamic year is counted from the year of the Hijrah, that in which the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) immigrated from Makkah to Medina (AD July 16, 622). Hijrah means migration and our beloved Prophet’s (s.a.w) migration to Medina was under the command from Allah (s.w.t).

Maal Hijrah depicts change. Welcoming the new year should include a time for reflection, where a student reflects about his personal progress in the past year and to resolve to become one with better qualities in the current year. This is in accordance with the prescriptions in the Quraan and the Sunnah. Change has to be for the better. In Malaysia the Islamic New Year is usually celebrated in various ways. Amongst these are holding gatherings and prayers to instill knowledge, tolerance and understanding that will benefit the whole community. Apt with these challenging times, the theme from Maal Hijrah 1429 has been retained: Menjana Ummah Gemilang (Generating Outstanding Muslims) and the hope is that we continue to make changes towards striving for excellence and to aspire to be outstanding in all sectors. To all Muslim students we would like to take this opportunity to wish Salam Maal Hijrah 1430 with the hope that 1430 will be a rewarding year for you.

In accordance with the western calendar, the year 2008 came to a close on Dec. 31st and the New Year was ushered in at the stroke of midnight. In Chicago, the countdown was done with much pomp and gaiety, fanfare and fireworks in spite of the cold, blustery winds. Not to be left out from the celebrations in downtown Chicago, a number of Malaysian students from universities in the Midwest region made the journey here to experience this yearly event.

But at the crux of it all, the New Year is about making new resolutions. It is about turning over a new leaf, to have the determination and will to perform better, if one has not in the past year. If your academic performance has been mediocre, now is the time to get your grades up, to stretch yourself to the limit in order to show your potentials and worth. You need to instill confidence in yourselves that you can succeed if you make that change – in the way you manage your time, think, study, and write your assignments and exams. You would need to assess your situation, strategize and then impress upon yourself that it has to be done. Begin with the end in mind. Think long and hard about your goals in life. Remember that you are not doing this for others, but yourselves. This should be your challenge and focus for 2009.

In the midst of all your academic challenges this year, there will be countless opportunities for ‘time-off’ and relaxation. The one that’s coming up soon will be the Chinese New Year. This is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar and this year, Chinese New Year falls on Jan. 26th 2009. The Chinese months, based upon the lunar calendar, begins on the darkest day. The New Year festivities start on the first day of the month and end on the 15th when the moon is brightest (Chap Goh Meh). Legend has it that on one Chinese New Year day, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him. Twelve animals came and each year is thenceforth named after each animal. Interestingly people born in each animal’s year would reflect some of the animal’s personality.

2009 is the year of the ox (after that of the rat in 2008, pig in 2007, and dog in 2006) and it is believed that those born this year would have these qualities of the ox – stable, fearless, obstinate, hardworking and friendly. Whether there is any truth in this belief, look around you for friends born in the year of the ox to see if they exhibit these characteristics.

In Malaysia, the Chinese New Year showcases fascinating aspects of Chinese tradition and rituals. There are family reunions and dinners on the eve of the New Year. Sumptuous feasts are prepared for this event with special dishes and desserts like kuih bangkit, kuih kapit and niangao or kuih bakul ( a sticky sweet snack made of glutinous rice and sugar, poured into moulds lined with banana leaves and steamed). Mandarin oranges are also normally served. For children this is a time for collecting ang pows (red packets containing money) and dressing up. Red, the colour of prosperity is normally everyone’s choice. To all our Chinese students, we would like to wish you GONG XI FA CHAI and May You Have a Prosperous New Year!

In view of the various New Years celebrated by the majority of the Malaysian population thus far, all of us should spend the beginning of the year to reflect upon what have been done in the past, to identify whether any incremental improvements is warranted, to determine this year’s objectives and to go all out to achieve them. Undoubtedly the year ahead will be full of challenges, but you have to stay in the direction that has been decided upon. It takes a lot of courage, strength, determination and confidence, but we believe that you can do it. If you liken yourself to a stone, it will remain dull and unpolished without undergoing extreme pressure. It is the exertion of extreme pressure and countless polishing processes that will make this stone a precious gem, a diamond that sparkles and shines, and sought after by everyone.

You are that stone undergoing the polishing processes here in the universities in the Midwest. You will become that sparkling gem at the end of the duration of your studies if you adopt a positive attitude towards academic pressure and challenges. Your family and the nation await your return as that high quality sparkling diamond!

Selamat Menuju Kecemerlangan

The Festival of Lights: Happy Deepavali

2008-10-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Monday, 27th October is the festival of lights, a festival that is celebrated across the globe by the Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. It is a major Indian/Nepalese Festival which is traditionally celebrated for five days. Also known as Deepavali, (‘deep’ means ‘light’, while ‘avali’ means ‘a row’) this festival signifies the ushering of joy and happiness in India and all over the world. Legend has it that during this period, various Hindu Gods like Lord Krishna and Rama return after their success in defeating demon kings (Narakasura and Ravana) and are welcomed by rows upon rows of bright, flickering lamps. These lamps are kept burning throughout the night, to drive away evil spirits and to signify worship that goes on in the houses.

In the Malaysian context, Deepavali for the Hindu community, is usually preceded by vigorous spring cleaning of houses and decorating the entrances (floors and/or walls) with colourful motifs of kolam, the preparation of traditional delicacies and desserts as well as shopping for new clothes, as both adults and children wait for this auspicious occasion. Hindus also prepare themselves by cleansing their bodies and minds. Similar to other Malaysian festivals, it is a time when families get together for the traditional Indian meal and for visits. Open houses are normally held to share this festival of lights with friends from other races.

MSD Chicago is delighted to know that students of Wichita State University (under AMSOW) are organising this year’s Deepavali celebration in the Midwest on Nov. 1st and would like to thank them for their effort and hard work. This will be a time when Malaysian and International students alike and the faculty members have the opportunity to meet and interact, amidst the variety of delicious Malaysian-Indian cuisine that will be served. We hope that the event will be successful and would like students from other universities nearby to join in, if possible. We also acknowledge that Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo has organized a Deeparaya celebration in October, in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

To all Malaysian Students Associations that have organized the Raya celebrations in October, MSD Chicago would like to commend their willingness and effort to uphold our Malaysian culture and festivities.

Last but not least, MSD Chicago would like to wish A Happy Deepavali to all our Hindu students in the Midwest region. May this joyous occasion bring peace and happiness to all.

Rohana Zulkifli
Director
MSD Chicago

SALAM AIDILFITRI, One and All………

2008-10-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ramadhan, the Blessed month in the Muslim calendar has passed us by. In its place the month of Syawwal is upon us. I hope that the month of Ramadhan has brought us numerous benefits and that we have seized the opportunity to appreciate its meaning – for, the month of Ramadhan can educate us in many ways. We should have learnt a bit more about what it means to live as Muslims in general; How to control our patience, hunger, thirst, anger, disappointment, frustration etc and to replace this with varying degrees of understanding, compassion and love. Indeed as a Blessed month, Allah’s Blessings were upon us throughout the month so that we could submit to Him (shubhanahuwataala) and perform our ibadah with ease and perfection. Alhamdulillah for that. Indeed I hope that most of us have derived tremendous benefit from Ramadhan to enable us to continue worshipping the AlMighty until the next Ramadhan is upon us again. Insya Allah we make du’a that we will be able to experience yet another Ramadhan next year, by Allah’s Generosity.

Syawwal is no less an Honourable and a Blessed month for it brings with it the Eid-ul-Fitri. It marks the end of Ramadhan and by custom; Malaysians celebrate it with much rejoicing. In Malaysia, open houses are held throughout the month of syawwal. It is a time to get together, renew ties, to seek forgiveness, to be with family and friends and most importantly, to ‘balik kampung’. Being in the USA however, we have to rely a lot more on being with peer groups, friends and colleagues to celebrate this event. Open houses are done, but not on such a big scale due to constraints in space, preparations and cooking. Then there is the distance factor. And of course, as we know, not all of us are financially sound.

Still, MSD Chicago has attempted to provide the students in the Midwest with the opportunity to ‘balik kampung’ on Oct. 4th – the ‘kampung’ being Hibbard Road in Wilmette for the Raya celebration. The weather was exceptionally beautiful and sunny that day, by the Grace of Allah and students came in their finest traditional costumes – colourful kurungs, kebayas, kebarungs, baju melayus and songkoks. The setting was outdoors – complete with a canopy, and long tables on which our Malaysian Raya delicacies were arranged. The menu consisted of nasi impit, pulut kuning, rendang, kuah kacang, nasi dagang, nasi minyak, ayam masak merah, mee bandung and assam laksa. There were cookies, kerepek and even freshly made dodol, painstakingly made by the Malaysian community! The food was 100 percent home-cooked, by the MSD officers, family and friends; for where can you find a ready-made spread of Malaysian Raya food in Chicago?

I hope that the students, totaling to almost 300, who traveled all the way to Wilmette (from as far as Minnesota and Nebraska, to as near as De Kalb, Evanston and Chicago) for this occasion had a wonderful time meeting friends and strengthening their relationship with MSD officers and their families. Also that the ambience and the food served was to their taste and satisfaction. I also hope that all of you arrived home safely by Sunday evening to enable you to attend the Monday classes. Truly we appreciate the sacrifices you have made in making your way here and being with us for this year’s Hari Raya. It certainly made our Raya more beautiful and meaningful!

I understand that some students could not make it to the Raya celebration hosted by MSD Chicago because of their hectic schedules, exams or the date coincided with MSA Raya activities. We missed your presence, of course, but rest assured there will be other opportunities in future. On behalf of MSD Chicago, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, students in the Midwest region who have continued to support programs conducted by MSD Chicago and hope that this positive attitude will persist in the years to come.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir Batin.

RAMADHAN AL MUBARAK 1429H/2008M

2008-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

As August draws to an end, Muslims usher in the month of Ramadhan with thankfulness (syukr). To all our Muslim students, we would like to wish you Ramadhan al Mubarak. As we have always been reminded, fasting in the month of Ramadhan has been made obligatory upon all Muslims so that we may become people having taqwaa (steadfastness). Ramadhan, being a month of Blessings, is a time when we should draw ourselves closer to Allah (swt). This can be done in various ways including engaging in deeds that will receive His Acceptance (Redha) like zikr, being steadfast in establishing and perfecting the solat and reciting the Quran. Participate in activities that will increase your remembrance of Allah (swt). It is also a month when Allah (swt) is Most Gracious, Merciful and Forgiving to all His creations. Therefore we should take this wonderful opportunity to seek His Divine Mercy so that we are truly on His Path and receive Guidance towards Him (swt).

It denotes a time when we make the extra effort and go that extra mile to refrain from doing anything that will meet with Allah’s wrath like engaging in useless conversations, gossips and backbiting. Concentrate on doing more positive things like perfecting our qualities to become good individuals, using the Prophet (saw) as our role model. Try to be kind, generous, patient, diligent, respectful, trustworthy, responsible, cooperatitve and always pleasant and smiling to all around you. Bring on a more meaningful Ramadhan this year so that as students, you will be seeking knowledge for Allah (swt). Such positive efforts however, should not stop with the ending of Ramadhan and the beginning of Syawal. On the contrary it should continue to be practiced and embedded into your ethics and values which will in turn facilitate the development of more holistic individuals.

On that note, may all of us experience a meaningful Ramadhan, one that meets with Allah’s Accceptance and Redha. May this Ramadhan be a fulfilling and rewarding one for all, by His Grace and Mercy. Amin.

I would like to pen off with the following wishes to all:

Selamat Menyambut Ramadhan al-Mubarak.

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI MERDEKA KE 51

2008-09-16T21:30:00.001-07:00

For Malaysians, the end of August and the whole of September this year is of great significance. Come August 31st 2008, we shall be celebrating our 51st year of independence. Not merely is it an auspicious occasion for us, deserving a festive celebration, but we have to reflect upon it with pride. This is a time when we relive the struggles of our forefathers in our minds and in our hearts; a time to appreciate their courage, determination, sacrifice and contribution to the whole Malaysian population. A time to truly understand the meaning of Merdeka !, Merdeka! Merdeka! , that was hailed in unison at the Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, 51 years ago. In succeeding the struggle for independence, the new generations of Malaysians are able to taste the fruits of independence – development in the social, economic and political context. As Malaysians, we have the full responsibility of upholding and sustaining the independence that was acquired in 1957 for the future generations.

As students you ARE Malaysia’s future. You are immensely important to our nation. You must play a positive role. Receive the best education possible so that your potentials and capacities are developed to the optimum level. Equipped with the required and up-to-date knowledge and skills, your contribution as the nation’s future workforce will be invaluable. There will be leaders of the nation amongst you, so such skills will need to be honed and developed from now.

Garner your efforts and energy into learning more about communication, management and leadership so that you will be prepared to lead organizations (whether big or small) and the nation. Grab the opportunities that exist within the universities, through associations that exist on campus or contribute voluntary services to the surrounding community. You will see that these positive activities will assist you into becoming towering personalities of the future. These are the personalities that will sustain Malaysia’s dreams and aspirations, transform them into reality and sustain it for the generations to come.

Merdeka !, Merdeka! Merdeka!

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEST

2008-09-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

A whole academic year has passed and the Malaysian Students’ Department is pleased to welcome the new batch of Malaysian students who have arrived from Malaysia to commence their studies at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. To date the number of new Malaysian students who have arrived in the Midwest region totals 112. This represents both the sponsored and non- sponsored students who are here on a common objective – that is, to seek knowledge that will benefit both the individual and the nation. In the process they would learn about, and experience life in the United States.

We would like to congratulate them on getting into the universities in the region and express how proud we are of them that they have made it this far. Our hope is that they will not only be able to adapt to the system in the learning institutions here, but also to the sometimes harsh Midwestern winters. The beauty about it is that if you able to endure it, in you will be instilled a determination and persistence to survive the odds that will strengthen your character.Make the most of your stay here. Learn about the people who are called Americans and their multi-cultural society. Be ready to share Malaysia’s colorful culture with them. And, open up your minds to soak in the multitude of knowledge and skills that are in abundance here. Be prepared and willing to be humble enough to go through the learning cycle – to unlearn, learn and relearn.

The summer months were quiet as students pursued their own activities. Some went on with their summer classes, some made their way home, and some did their practical training at the firms here, while others traveled to various parts of the world on holiday. As summer ends and the fall semester eases into place, students converge yet again, in the various universities to begin their academic year. To all returning students, we would like to wish you all the best and hope that you will continue to focus on your studies, work diligently and excel in your chosen areas of study.

Have a good and rewarding semester.