Sharing a joyous moment with my ex……

Academic Convocation is always a joyous occasion. It stands as one of life's milestones marking the course of individual progress and achievement. It reminds graduates about their role in society and also a time for them to reflect on their past in order to shape their future. It is not only a joyous moment for the graduates, but also the lecturers, the university's authorities and all those who have helped to make the university a success in one way or another. It is also an occasion to acknowledge family and friends who have provided support and to celebrate together the sense of pride and accomplishment felt by everyone in times such as these. Hard work and determination have eventually paid off as graduates being presented and conferred with their qualifications, after having completed their degree, diploma or certificate programs.

As for me, this is among the annually events that I’ve always looking forward to share with my ex students. Despite the difficulties and barriers they have encountered, they finally managed to overcome all that with their undying commitment and perseverance. When Izza (my current post Graduate Student) came over to my room yesterday and proudly showed me her medal (awarded First Class for her Under Graduate Degree in this Convocation), her eyes sparkled with excitement and satisfaction. I can clearly visualize her proud parents waiting for her back home as I passionately hugged and congratulated her. “She deserves it”, I said to myself , because Izza is currently one of my excellent student in class (now pursuing her Masters), who have always stood up with her brilliant ideas and opinions.

Izza with her Gold Medal =>>


This morning, I've celebrated this joyous moment with my ex students who have finally succeed in their pursuit of knowledge for a better future. As adult learners, I really admired their hard work and determination. They have foreseen the opportunities that lie ahead of them and determined to move forward no matter what people says. They have sacrificed their heart and soul to realize their dreams and truly follow their heart.

To my dearest ex-students, Congratulations! I’m really proud of you and hope you’ll attain whatever dreams that you aspires! All the best to :-

Master of Management (Technology)
El Mahdee, Fairul Anwar, Hasmawati, Janiah, Nadia Akmal, Nordiana, Shahdon, and Tay Kian Thiam.

Master of Science (Human Resource Development)
Ahmad Hashim, Ahmad Rizakee, Cik Rohaida, Fadillah, Khairunnisa, Joyce, Maryam Soalihah, Mohd. Zaidi, Norlia, Nursyima, Pengeran Hidayatullah, Roslan, Siti Juhaida and Yoong Soon Kiong.

The Ceremony..=>>





(From L-R): Norlia, Me, Yoong, Siti Juhaida, Roslan and Rizakee =>>






A special message dedicated to my ex-students....

The job market today is a reflection of the global economy. It is highly competitive where there is more supply than demand. Only the most efficient and innovative companies and countries are successful. Companies require knowledge workers with specific skills, experience, good communication and interpersonal skills. They need employees who can be productive and efficient when working on their own and as part of a team, people who can deal with customers and people who can write reports. In other words, they are very demanding.

So, you have to be creative, persistent and never give up. Leave no stone unturned. Don't let any opportunity pass you by. In every initiative you take, demonstrate your willingness to learn and to be trained. Show enthusiasm. Be realistic in what you ask for and what you expect. The road may be long, with many twists and turns, but it will eventually lead you to where you want to be. Never get discouraged, no matter the disappointments along the way. Look towards the future and follow your dream.

Today is your day. It is an important time in your lives. You have achieved distinction and made your family proud. Remember this moment. The degree you have obtained is a recognition of success. Apply the things you have learned here in your job search. While your degree is not a ticket for a job like it used to be, it represents an advantage in today's marketplace. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Build on it for the future. Remember this institution. Remember to give back some of what it has given you.

Remember this....

You will be forever close to my heart. If you're thinking of pursuing your PhD, my door is always open for you, just like it has been before. Please keep in touch and feel free to contact me anytime..! Adios!


TO BE CONTINUED.....

10 Tips for Creative Thinking

1. Challenge current approaches to your work. Think about whether you and your direct reports can work together in new, previously unimaginable possibilities.

2. Challenge existing beliefs and assumptions. Ask yourself, your colleagues and your direct reports whether your current views about how things are done in your company are correct.

3. Be educated. Take a course on a subject like creative thinking, creative writing or improvisational acting to help you flex your creative thinking muscles.

4. Use Mind-Maps. On blank sheet of paper, draw pictures, your ideas and the way in which they can be connected. You can have more connections than if you simply listed ideas on a piece of paper.

5. Be positive. See problems as challenges and opportunities. Open your mind to new ideas, even if they at first they seem absurd.

6. Call on creative types. Identify the creative people in your company. Call on them to get involved in brainstorming sessions and other such activities if you need help stimulating participants’ creative juices.

7. Change your routine. Make small changes in your daily routines and physical environment to help you see that things can be done in different ways.

8. Listen for change resistance. When you hear someone say, "We have always done it like this," be ready to challenge their assumptions. Use the phrase: “Up until now...” (We’ve done it this way; we haven’t been able to do this, etc…).

9. Book time to be creative. Block out time in your daily routine that is not booked with a meeting, task, or other work. Use this time to let your thoughts wander: You may also find yourself thinking of new ideas to solve old problems.

10. Model creativity. By offering playful and seemingly absurd ideas to others, you model creative thinking. Others may emulate you-further spreading the creative energy in your group.
ivities if you need help stimulating participants’ creative juices.


Source : http://greatleadershipbydan.com/2008/01/10-tips-for-creative-thinking.html