KIDZ magazine - JanFeb2009 issue by Cindy Chin

Proxy Parenting January - February 2009 Issue No. 26 KDN: PP13791/08/2009(022209) www.kidzmag.com.my SUBSCRIBER COPY NOT FOR RESALE

Kidz Exclusive: Unwanted kids find mum & dad in Hollywood stars Pointblank: A special report on ‘Adoption in Malaysia’ Proxy Parenting: When grannies & adoptive parents take the place of birth mums & dads

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Jan - Feb 2009

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Contents

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Alysha Dev Kaur with Mandip, Rajdip and Harveer Singh

Happy Homes

Pointblank

Straight talk on issues surrounding adoption in Malaysia

From the Editor

Parenting 101

Money Management Financial management at crunch time

Your Shout

Celebrity Corner

Hollywood stars take unwanted children as their own

Health All about EQ (Emotional Quotient)

The latest products & services for parents & kids!

Wish Upon Kidz

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Kidz-Friendly Award Monster Tennis – tennis school for kids!

Kidz for Kids Outreach ntv7’s ‘feel-good’ day out for orphans

Subscriptions

Classifieds

The Last Say

13 14

What’s on your mind?

What’s New

Your Pick

How not to be an absentee parent

Giving hope for Myanmar cyclone victims to rebuild lives

Reviews & recommendations by parents & kids!

In Focus

Parents’ Timeout

Education E.nopi’s MATH Olympiad

Literacy tip from I Can Read

School readiness by Lorna Whiston

Cirque du Soleil wows in Macau!

We Say, They Say

On proxy parenting by grannies & adoptive parents

Amanda Leong & family receiving Ang Pow from grandmother

Photos of your candid family moments

Happy Homes

See P age 40

Brought to you by Lorna Whiston

Daughter Wong Xiao Qing with Daddy CC Wong and Mummy LC Ng

Rachel and Joanna Cheah

Triplets Sean Lim Lian Siong , Scott Lim Lian Hing and Nicola Lim Lian Li with baby Jayden

Edric Tan (black tee) with his family

Fitness Swimming lessons for kids

Recent & upcoming events to rock your kids’ world It’s free! Subscribe now! Spread the word on your biz, advertise with Kidz! Cheeky quips from parents & kids!

Send us photos of your wackiest, most unguarded and most tender family moments. * Kindly include contact details on back of photos & specify "Happy Homes" 10.01 Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Email: kidz@gmail.com

From the Editor

In Praise of Proxy Parents The bliss of parenting is not exclusive to birth parents. The gift of lavishing love on children is not for mums and dads alone with whom they are genetically connected.

The journey and joys of parenthood are equal, regardless of the method in which a family is created.

Issa with James, 10 (bottom) and John, 8 (top)

*Newsflash!

Beginning September 2008, Superkidz Magazine will no longer be distributed for free with Kidz Magazine but will be available for sale at selected bookstores and newsstands at RM5. If you wish to continue receiving Superkidz magazine, you may: • Subscribe to Kidz and Superkidz Magazine for one year for RM25; or • Sign up for Superkidz Club Membership at RM25 which includes a one-year subscription to both Kidz Magazine, Superkidz Magazine & one child’s membership valid for one year. All Kidz Magazine subscribers will only receive Kidz Magazine with their RM10 subscription. If you wish to include Superkidz Magazine with your Kidz Magazine subscription, you need only pay an additional RM15 and we will extend your subscription for a full year! Don’t miss out on Superkidz Magazine with all the exciting contests, giveaways and activities for children.

Issa Rodriguez-Medina

This issue, we pay tribute to primary caregivers who, by choice or circumstance, have taken on the role of providing childcare to children through adoption, guardianship, foster parenting or as hired caregivers. They often step in and take over after it has been established that biological parents are unwilling or cannot, for whatever reason, appropriately care for their children. The extent to which they – grandparents, adoptive parents, or even nannies – look after their small charges may differ. The ones we extol here are those who love these children as if they were their own and give them a safe, stable and loving home where they can grow and flourish. These proxy parents not only step in, they do so with 100% commitment. By welcoming these children into their hearts and families as they would their own flesh and blood, they prove that they are most worthy to be parents.

Our We Say, They Say forum tackles the viewpoints of grandparents, adoptive parents and their wards while Parenting 101 delves into absentee parenting. Celebrity Corner showcases Hollywood stars that have adopted children. A special report takes an in-depth look on “Adoption in Malaysia” in Pointblank.

The real story to be told about these proxy parents is that DNA has nothing to do with love and family. They are not there to steal affection, they add it. They prove that love for a child is not divisible and that one bond doesn’t have to come at the expense of another. Parental love – biological or otherwise – is still love. It’s always good to have plenty going around.

For letters to the Editor, please email issa@epitome.com.my

Wan Suriani

Kidz Cover Models After much deliberation and a very stringent selection process, a three-day catwalk audition, and more than 600 Superkidz Club members aspiring to be cover models, Kidz congratulates its choice cover models for this issue:

Cedric Woon Paul Naquiddin Stewart

(L-R) Wong Yuin Qi, Grandma Susan Wong, Cheryl Wong, Felix Yap Soon Wei, Grandma Wong Chi Moy & Chin Yin Xi

Contributors Ng Yi Xiang Sharine Gurriah Shazana Rahim

Want to become a model? Then WE WANT YOU! For our upcoming March-April 2009 issue, we are looking for boys & girls five years old and below. We are inviting Superkidz Club members to send in their photos for selection. kidz@epitome.com.my

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January - February 2009

Details of the photo shoot session Date: 6th February 2009 (Friday) Time: starting from 12 noon Venue: De One Photo Studio, 26-1 Jalan 24/70A, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL

Simply send us photos: • Via email to kidzmag@gmail.com (Subject: For Model Selection); OR By post to “For Model Selection”, KIDZ Magazine, c/o Epitome Communications Sdn Bhd, 10.01 Wisma Lim Foo Yong, 86 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 KL • Include parent’s name, contact number, email, and child’s name, age, gender and Superkidz Club membership number Successful candidates will be notified via email and/ or by phone. Parents with children who wish to try their luck can still register with Superkidz Club to qualify for the search. Kindly fill up the application form on page 40 (select Option 3) or for further details on how to join Superkidz Club, please call Kidz Magazine at 03 2144 5733.

Your Shout

Don’t suppress it, express it!

Updates on latest products and services!

What’s New

Yes! For the Right to Play Dutch Lady has launched their latest product Yes! - a zesty fruit-flavoured drink with milk specially formulated for children aged between five and 12 years old. These drinks have choice nutrients such as calcium, iron, Vitamin B1 and B12 to help children stay refreshed and active throughout their busy schedules. With the tagline “Yes! For the Right to Play”, it serves to inform parents that children can actually benefit from a good balance of traditional, non-structured play as it is important for their overall development.

Such Such cute cute children children on on your your latest latest issue issue (Nov-Dec (Nov-Dec 2008). 2008). How How did did you you ever ever find find kids kids that that look look so so similar similar to to the the Kidz Kidz Team? Team? Keep Keep up up the the good good work! work!

II love love the the cover cover of of your your latest latest Kidz Kidz magazine magazine (Nov-Dec (Nov-Dec 2008 2008 issue)! issue)! And And then then when when II flip flip to to the the next next page, page, II finally finally see see the the Kidz Kidz Team! Team! This This is is such such aa cute cute idea, idea, you you should should make make itit aa regular regular idea idea in in your your magazine! magazine!

Yes! comes in four refreshingly delicious flavours - Grape, Strawberry, Orange and Tutti Fruitti in convenient 90ml bottles. Retailing at RM2.99 for a pack of four, they are available at all major hypermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia. For more info, visit www.right2play.com.my

Winnie, Winnie, sent sent via via email email

Mrs Mrs Tang, Tang, sent sent via via email email Thank Thank you you for for inviting inviting me me to to the the review review at at Monster Monster Tennis Tennis (Kidz-Friendly (Kidz-Friendly section, section, Jan-Feb Jan-Feb 2009 2009 issue). issue). I’ve I’ve been been in in the the blogging blogging world world for for more more than than five five years. years. Your Your Kidz Kidz and and Superkidz Superkidz magazines magazines are are very very good good because because you you highlight highlight lots lots of of information, information, give give ideas ideas and and share share thoughts thoughts that that are are very very important important to to parents. parents. These These have have been been quite quite useful, useful, and and have have given given me me some some ideas ideas on on what what to to write write about about inside inside my my blog blog to to share share with with all all my my friends friends out out there. there. My My children children also also love love the the Superkidz Superkidz magazine magazine because because you you highlight highlight all all the the latest latest movies movies and and cartoon cartoon shows, shows, so so my my children children are are also also updated updated with with the the latest latest happenings. happenings.

II would would like like to to wish wish everyone everyone at at Kidz Kidz magazine magazine Merry Merry Christmas Christmas and and Happy Happy New New Year! Year! May May ‘Lady ‘Lady Fortune’ Fortune’ smile smile down down on on you you and and hope hope you you will will stick stick to to all all your your resolutions. resolutions. Keep Keep on on going! going!

Mrs Mrs Singh, Singh, sent sent via via email email

Happy Happy Parent, Parent, sent sent via via email email

The The recent recent landslide landslide incident incident at at Bukit Bukit Antarabangsa Antarabangsa really really brought brought home home the the fact fact that that we we should should all all be be thankful. thankful. ItIt doesn’t doesn’t matter matter how how much much or or how how little little you you have; have; as as long long as as you you have have love, love, your your health health and and loved loved ones, ones, all all will will work work out out in in the the end. end. Don’t Don’t take take anything anything for for granted granted and and be be grateful grateful for for sunshine sunshine in in the the morning. morning. Mrs Mrs Yew, Yew, godmother godmother of of Denny Denny (3) (3)

IfIf you you have have something something to to shout shout about about regarding regarding anything anything under under the the sun, sun, send send us us an an email email at at kidz@epitome.com.my kidz@epitome.com.my 8

January - February 2009

Truly loving products

Marfuza, Marfuza, mother mother of of Superkidz Superkidz Club Club member member Muhammad Muhammad Firman Firman Check Check out out Marfuza’s Marfuza’s blogspot blogspot at at http://iamja77.blogspot.com http://iamja77.blogspot.com

But But the the year-end year-end issue issue contains contains aa lot lot of of info info and and summary summary from from previous previous issues, issues, so so I’m I’m keeping keeping itit for for my my own own reference. reference. Happy Happy 3rd 3rd Birthday Birthday Kidz Kidz magazine! magazine!

Launched three years ago, Buds for Baby is a homegrown brand offering natural baby skincare products that are free from harmful ingredients. Their latest range is Buds Cherished Organics, the world’s first, premium, preservative-free baby range. Natural organic ingredients work to keep skin healthy and pure as the day baby was born. There are specific and specialised products to deal with almost any situation organically, from delicate newborn skin to eczema, diaper rash to weather protection. Some useful products to have around the house include the First Aid Lotion that is ideal for treatment of cuts, insect bites, rashes and skin irritations. Made from a blend of natural oils with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties, it is useful for scar and wound healing. For mosquito problems, try Mozzie Clear Lotion to prevent and soothe those pesky bites. The Buds Cherished Organics range is certified organic by ECOCERT, an organic certification organisation founded in France. For more info, visit www.budsbaby.com

Model: Superkidz Club members Liew May Kei and Liew May Teng

II enjoyed enjoyed your your year-end year-end issue issue very very much. much. My My son son brought brought aa copy copy home home from from his his school school and and I’m I’m embarrassed embarrassed to to say say II didn’t didn’t even even know know about about Kidz Kidz magazine magazine until until now. now.

Go natural with organic products

Launched in July 2006, the Truly Loving Company (TLC) offers household and personal care products. TLC develops, manufactures and markets household and personal care products, including body and bath products, bathroom, kitchen, floor and glass cleaners. What sets it apart from others is that TLS gives away 100% of its dividends to deserving charities. By purchasing TLC’s products, consumers are able to contribute to a great cause – providing funds to selected charities, including Hospis Malaysia, Shelter, National Stroke Association of Malaysia (NASAM) and The Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association Johor Bahru (PPKKTAJ). The latest and newest personal care product from TLC is the Ai Zen shower crème. It comes in two variants – Strawberry that helps keep skin soft, nourished and moisturised, and another containing Sakura extract with whitening and anti-inflammation properties to help skin recovery. The shower crème promises to leave your skin feeling beautifully clean, soft and fragrant all day long. Both products are available in 600ml (RRP: RM10.50) and 250ml (RRP: RM4.90). These and other TLC products are available at selected hypermarkets such as Carrefour, Giant, Cold Storage, Jusco, Sunshine, Tesco (Mutiara and Mergong, Alor Setar) and Village Grocer. For more info, contact TLC at 03-2093 1103 or visit www.thetrulylovingcompany.com January - February 2009

Kidz-Friendly

Awarding establishments where kids are king!

Monster Tennis Certified Kidz-Friendly!

Being their first time to Monster Tennis and playing tennis, the children were notably excited and anxious to get started. First, they did some warm up exercises and started jumping, hopping and running around. Next came the actual lesson, cleverly disguised as fun games. After teaching them the basics of the forehand stroke, one child would volley with Chin Bee while the others practised using different equipment. Soft, foam balls are used in place of actual tennis balls, so Firman, being a boy, hit as hard as he could â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it got everyone laughing! Once they learned how to hold the racquet and hit properly, they moved on to handeye coordination games like running after coloured balls, and tossing/ catching hoops and catching balls in a net. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The beauty of the lesson is we can modify it according to the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ability,â&#x20AC;? commented Chin Bee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we progress along the class, if we feel that the children cannot keep up or are lacking in certain skills, then we would adapt a different teaching style to accommodate that. For example we might play new games or teach at a slower pace. We also reinforce every accomplishment with positive encouragement, so kids feel a sense of achievement.â&#x20AC;?

Monster Tennis is a tennis school for children with a difference. Apart from being the first indoor tennis centre in Malaysia, it offers innovative programmes that are designed to teach starters the basics of tennis. This is done via creative coaching aids and by using modified equipment to allow children to develop at a comfortable speed. This is part of the uniqueness of Monster Tennis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to teach children tennis through fun games, rather than just hitting balls around repeatedly.

At the end of their lessons, all three children were noticeably exhausted yet beaming from ear to ear. From one lesson, the parents could see positive changes in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demeanour. All agreed that this is a good place for young kids to start learning how to play tennis. They only had positive things to say about Monster Tennis, commenting on how well stocked their equipment are and how qualified Chin Bee is. They also agreed that Amy and Chin Bee are very friendly and hands on with the kids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; definite plus points! In fact both families are considering signing up for classes. All in all, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two thumbs up for Monster Tennis, earning the centre the Kidz-Friendly Stamp of Approval!

Lessons are kept to a maximum of four students per group to ensure ideal student-coach interaction. Other than the physical aspect, in the course of their lessons, children will also learn life skills like social interaction, self-esteem and learning how to compete.

Monster Tennis L-1-14 Plaza Damas, 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL Tel: 012-366 7880 Email: monstertennis@gmail.com

Offering a fun, clean and safe environment for kids to excel in tennis and personal development, it caters to those aged three to eight years old. Since younger children had expressed interest in learning, it appears that there is great demand for Monster Tennis. Programmes offered include Tennis Tots (fundamental movement), Tennis Stars (basics of tennis including handeye coordination, balance, racquet and ball contact skills) and Tennis Champs (basic technique, tactics, speed and agility, focusing on importance of play and team competition, to give children the essential skills to progress to bigger courts and faster balls). Who better to give lessons than Khoo Chin Bee. Together with Amy Chan, she is part of the team behind Monster Tennis; more importantly, she was a national player and champion (1992-2004). Among her achievements are nine International

-FBSO (SPX BOE .BTUFS

Tennis Federation (ITF) Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Circuit titles and three-time Milwaukee Tennis Classic Champion. In fact, she is Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most decorated Fed Cupper, and to date Chin Bee is the only Malaysian woman who had competed in the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis Association (WTA) with a ranking of 329. Having ITF Level 3 Coach Certification, Chin Bee now coaches competitive players including National Under 10 Boys, Under 14 Girls, 16 Boys and 18 Girls Champions. As with all things new and interesting, Kidz just had to review Monster Tennis and see firsthand how much fun classes can be. Joining the Kidz review team are Superkidz Club members Dania Nur Qistina (6) with sister Afrina Qistina (5) and parents Mohammad Akmaludin Ghazali and Intan Suraya Ramli, and Muhammad Firman (5) with parents Hifzie Hassan and Marfuza Zainal Abidin. Upon arrival, the families were greeted warmly by Amy and Chin Bee. The parents felt welcomed, and commented on the friendliness of the owners and on how comfortable the centre is. There is a small waiting area for parents. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, we want to encourage kids to be more independent and not to be shy with others, so we usually recommend parents to wait elsewhereâ&#x20AC;?, remarked Amy.

January - February 2009

Kidz-Friendly

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Registration& &Enquiries: Enquiries: Registration AseanChess ChessAcademy, Academy,Kuala KualaLumpur Lumpur Asean 22-1 1st 1stFloor, Floor, Jalan Jalan27/70A, 27/70A,Desa DesaSri SriHartamas, Hartamas, 22-1 50480Kuala KualaLumpur, Lumpur,Malaysia. Malaysia. 50480 Tel:+60 +603-2300 3-23001680 1680 Tel: www.intchess.com www.intchess.com AseanChess ChessAcademy, Academy,Singapore Singapore Asean TeckGhee GheeCommunity CommunityCentre Centre Teck 861 Ang AngMo MoKio KioAvenue Avenue10 10#01-05 #01-05 861 Singapore569734 569734 Singapore www.intchessasia.com www.intchessasia.com January - February 2009

Your Pick

Everyone deserves a break, especially parents!

Reviews and recommendations by parents & kids!

Books Galore! Title: Peeing in the Bush Genre: Travel literature Author: Adeline Loh Price: RM35.90

Cirque du Soleil “Cirque du Soleil began with a very simple dream. A group of young entertainers got together to amuse audiences, see the world, and have fun doing it.” Guy Laliberté

When former journalist Adeline Loh could no longer endure the brain-deadening routine of work, she did what any sensible person would: flee Malaysia. With a paranoid vegetarian named Chan, they go ambling in the lion-infested wilderness of southern Africa. But upon arriving in Zambia, the bush virgins realised nothing from the Animal Planet documentaries had prepared them for survival in the savannah.

Derived from a Greek name which means ‘life’, ZAIA is the dream of a young girl who journeys into space on a strange, yet familiar voyage of self-discovery. On her travels, she encounters the beauty of humanity and brings it back to earth to share with her fellow inhabitants.

With baboons, hippos and buffaloes conspiring to tear them into pieces, our addled heroines rattled along crater-pocked tracks, canoed through the crocodile-infested Zambezi River, flew over Victoria Falls on a little tricycle with wings and peed amidst thorny shrubbery. In more life-preserving moments, they pondered anti-malaria medicine, sleazy hunters and muscle-bound native women while hoping to achieve their main goal—not to get eaten alive! In Peeing in the Bush, Loh recounts in candid prose her fun and engaging misadventures in Zambia with a rich mix of anecdotes, commentary and deft description.

ZAIA is Cirque du Soleil’s newest and most elaborate show to date. The resident show at the Venetian Resort Hotel in Macau, it is guaranteed to amaze, dazzle and enthrall its audience, both the young and the not-so-young. From its colourful costumes to its stirring melodies, you will be enraptured by the acrobatics, dance and movement played before your eyes.

Title: Capricornia Genre: Romance/ Fiction Author: Xavier Herbert Price: RM36.90

The unique style and choreography that has become synonymous with Cirque du Soleil provides entertainment for all in the family with each carefully-timed movement, executed to perfection. High wire acrobatics, aerial work, tumbling and the requisite clowns intersperse with dancers, balancing acts and jugglers to create artistry in motion. The theatre and stage has been specially built for ZAIA resulting in the most dazzling show ever staged in Asia, featuring 75 high-calibre artists from all corners of the globe. It yet again

Parents' Time Out

ZAIA showcases the imagination and creativity of the Cirque’s creator, Guy Laliberte, who joined a street group theatre in the early eighties which has since evolved to become an international organisation with activities in five continents. ZAIA premiered at the Venetian on 28th August 2008. For more information, check out www.cirquedusoleil.com

One of Australia’s all-time best-selling novels and an inspiration for Baz Luhrmann's lavish film ‘AUSTRALIA’, Capricornia has been described as one of Australia's great novels. It is a book on the saga of life in the Northern Territories and the clash of white and Aborigine cultures. The story is immense and rambling, laced with humour that is often as bitter and as harsh as the terrain in which it is set, and follows with irony the fortunes (and otherwise) of a range of Outback characters over a span of generations. Through their story is reflected the story of Australia, the clash of personalities and cultures that provide the substance on which today's society is founded. Above all, this is a novel of protest and of compassion - for the Aborigines and half-bloods of Australia's ‘last frontier’. Sprawling, explosive, thronged with characters, plots and sub-plots, Capricornia is without doubt one of the best known and widely read Australian novels of the last 70 years.

Title: Get the Life You Want Genre: Self-help Author: Richard Bandler Price: RM67.90 When people and therapists alike have a problem they cannot fix, they call Richard Bandler because he delivers - often with miraculous results. Hailed as one of the greatest geniuses in the field of personal change, and the father of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Richard Bandler has helped tens of thousands of people around the globe rid themselves of ‘incurable’ phobias, fears, anxieties, addictions, negative habits, and past traumas – most of the time in a single session. Get the Life You Want is Richard Bandler at his best, sharing his remarkable insights, his controversial signature wit and more than 35 time-tested NLP techniques that will bring about quick, lasting change in every area of your life, from breaking free of toxic or non-productive relationships, to delivering business presentations without a knot in your stomach, to quitting smoking for good. By putting Bandler's techniques into practice, you can literally change your brain chemistry without expensive drugs or endless therapy sessions. Most of all, you can finally learn how to “run your own brain” instead of rehashing the same problems. Details of books provided by MPH Distributors. All books featured are available at major bookstores nationwide.

January - February 2009

We Say, They Say

Forum for parents and kids!

“Real”

We Say, They Say

We Say I’ve made up for her absence in his life, her irresponsibility and broken promises. And until she can take an active role in his life and stop being an absentee parent, I will remain to be a parent to my grandson. - Gin May

Parents

We’ve become parents to our grandchildren as their own parents have been divorced and neglectful. Our grandkids feel unwanted and abandoned and we find ourselves inheriting their resistance and rebellion. They still cling to their parents and tell us “You’re not my mum or dad!” We can’t help but feel rejected and unappreciated after everything we’ve done for them. - Grandparents of Ingrates

They help them grow through the doubt into capable and strong children full of self worth in the knowledge that they are loved by their grandparents or chosen by their adoptive parents.

They may not be born to them but they have cared for them all their lives. Many issues like death, sickness, divorce, drug problems, underage pregnancy or poverty may have brought about the transfer of childcare from parents to grandparents. Then there are adoptive parents who are unable to conceive their own flesh and blood or choose to adopt another child as their own. And then there are the nannies that fall in love with their small charges. In all of the above cases, these “parents” are as good as “real.” They are mother, father, sibling and best friend to the children they raise, oftentimes proving themselves even more worthy of trust than the birth parents themselves. Caregivers and their wards share their thoughts. 14

January - February 2009

Models: (L-R) Wong Yuin Qi, Grandma Susan Wong, Cheryl Wong, Felix Yap Soon Wei, Grandma Wong Chi Moy & Chin Yin Xi

My husband and I adopted Stephanie at eight months. She was abandoned by her teenage mother at birth. We already have two kids of our own but she was what made our family complete. People say Stephanie is so lucky that we adopted her. The truth is; we are the ones who are so blessed to have her in our lives. - Mike & May Ong Being adoptive parents is a joyous and rewarding experience. But we’ve also had our fair share of questions like “Who is my real mother?” or “Why did you choose me?” Our adopted son has his own sting of childhood angst that we have to live with. - Lai Peng I lived with my daughter and son-in-law for a while when they were newlyweds until they had my grandson. I was just around to help baby sit and show my daughter how to take care of a newborn. After ten years like that, my daughter and her husband are divorcing and my daughter who was a housewife now has to find work. I now have to support her at this very difficult time and take over as full-time parent and caregiver to my grandson. - Vimalah K. Back then, I was called to care for the children some of the time or they would bring the kids over for the weekend. Since my son-in-law met a tragic death, I now have to take on the task of parenting my grandchildren while my daughter works. I’ve always done my task with love but it is not without a heavy heart ‘cause my strength and finances also run out. - T. Hanafiah When my son and his wife had my first grandchild, I was thrilled to once again have a little one to watch grow, dote after and spoil rotten! But when they separated, my ex-daughter-in-law has been punishing us by keeping my grandchild away from us! We’ve raised him as our own and we believe we have a moral and legal right to visitation, at least! - Anna Gomes There is nothing we won’t do for our grandchildren. Their family is in a crisis now and we have to take over the task of parenting. Our only worry is … are we healthy enough? Do we have to step out of retirement and work again to afford the added expense? Are we ready to jump back into the whirlwind of responsibilities? Will we be able to hold out? What if we crumble under the weight of it all? - Back-in-the-Grind Grannies My daughter is irresponsible. She is not mature enough nor fit enough to be a mum. I have been a mother to our grandson since the day he was born ‘cause she couldn’t be counted on. Now that he’s eight years old, I find myself in a tug-of-war with my daughter when she tries to undermine my authority.

We have not denied our adopted daughter the right to search for her real parents. We’ve helped her in her quest and she had met her biological mother. By providing her with a link to her heritage and biological roots, we’ve given her pride and self confidence. Now, even more, she looks to us as her “real” parents. - Raslan A. There are many reasons why people adopt – infertility, failed pregnancy, stillbirth or the death of a child. These people have suffered a serious blow and they find their dream child through adoption. The process is long and difficult but it can also be lifealtering. - Nordin H., sociologist I think in Malaysia adopting through Welfare Homes are very slow and not efficient. Very inefficient and that’s the main reason why a lot of people choose to use the illegal way by adopting the baby directly by the mother. If they are more efficient than many more people would adopt legally. Before adopting a person should go to welfare homes and get to know the children before adopting a child. - Poh Poc Pin I am a working mum and I’ve depended on a nanny since my child was born to help out. Some people say having nannies is like copping out on motherhood and damages the mother-child bond. But just because my nanny is helpful doesn’t mean she’s raising my child. Mummy will always be at centre stage. - Christina Kong We’ve heard of horrifying cases of nannies beating children but I’ve been lucky to find one that loves my baby as her own yet she knows how to stay in her place. She doesn’t steal affection; instead, she takes a lot of pressure off. - Joanna Soh

January - February 2009

We Say, They Say

Forum for parents and kids!

Straight talk on news & issues affecting children & families

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They Say My mum and dad say that my real parents couldn’t take care of me so they found another family for me. They say it’s not my fault. I know I didn’t come from my mummy’s tummy. I had a first mother who gave birth to me. But my mummy and daddy chose me to be their baby. - Jeremiah, 9 I remember how we had a nanny from the time we were babies till when we were about 10 years old. We were very attached to her. But she never took the place of our mum. You’d know whom a child is truly attached to when a child gets hurt. Does the child run to the mum or to the nanny? We always ran to mum for comfort and consolation. But we also couldn’t live without our nanny. - Latha H., 18

I grew up with my grandfather. He cared for me since I was an infant though he was also looking after my grandma who was dying of cancer at the time. As my mum was working overseas, my grandpa was the best, most loving parent one could have. - Tina L. 23

Adoption should be a wonderful fulfilling experience not only for adoptive parents but also for their families and the adopted child. The ideal is to finally be a complete unit whereby love, laughter and happiness are born into a home where it might be lacking. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, this is not always the case when individuals or couples attempt to apply for the child they wish to adopt, not only into their home, but into their lives and hearts.

I will always cherish my time with my grandpa. I could talk to him about anything and we always went on long walks where he taught me about life. He surprised me with gifts even though he took it out of his meager pension. It was such a heartache when he passed away. He was my angel here on earth. - Rozita, 25

Statistics compiled by Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) show that from the year 1994 until 2000, there were a total of 1,996 adoption applications, 191 children adopted and 1,805 applications put on a waiting list.

My grandparents may have been old but they did a better job at parenting than my parents ever did. - Grateful Grandchild

These odds are horrendous considering the number of applicants in comparison to the number of children in foster care and homes around the country.

My grandfather made great sacrifices in his life in order to be my only source of emotional, financial and physical support. There was not a special moment in my growing up life that he missed. He was always there for me. - Tony F., 31 I was one of millions of children who didn’t have parents to kiss us goodnight. Until my adoptive parents took me in. Being adopted is no different from coming from a birth family. It’s just that I have four parents – two I would probably never meet, and two whom I consider my “real” parents. - Katrina M., 23 I never think of myself as “adopted.” Instead, I see myself as “chosen.” - Papa-picked-me, 17

That means that roughly only one-in-ten applications succeeded in the completion of the adoption process.

Despondent would-be parents, many of whom become jaded by the difficult and unaccommodating application process to adopt a child with the government, thus turn to less authorised methods to acquire the child they desperately wish for.

Legal Adoption – The Court, Departmental & De Facto Ways The laws of Malaysia make it difficult for adoptive parents to adopt children as it is time-consuming where the process could take up to two years. In Malaysia, there are three categories when it comes to application for adopting a child. There is the ‘Muslim’ adoption, ‘NonMuslim’ adoption and finally ‘International’ adoption. Each category has its own unique requirements to fulfil though there are many similarities between them, such as the paperwork which the child they wish to have in order, and the adoptive parent’s essential documents (such as copies of their proof of citizenship, marriage certificate, birth certificates, etc). Muslim adoptive parents may adopt both Muslim children and non-Muslim children whereas non-Muslim are only able to adopt non-Muslim children. Adoptive parents must either be a citizen or have a working permit and be in Malaysia for at least two years before the application.

January - February 2009

Point-Blank

Straight talk on news & issues affecting children & families

The Registration of Adoptions Act 1952 is applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslim children. However, adoption through a court order (Act 257) is only applicable to non-Muslims. Muslim adoptive parents are able to apply with the National Registration Department. The adoptive parents will have to provide the child with proper education, maintenance and care for at least two years from the date of the child’s natural parent’s statutory declaration. If the National Registration Department qualifies the adoption, a certified copy of the entry would be delivered to the adoptive parents. Married couples as well as single mothers are able to adopt both female and male children whereas single fathers are only able to adopt male children.

Court Adoption There are two different methods in adopting children; court adoption as well as departmental adoption. Court adoption is where the adoptive parents have the duty to obtain a statutory declaration from the child’s natural parents. After three months of caring for their adoptive child, the adoptive parent(s) would have a lawyer to petition to the Sessions Court for the adoption order. An adoption order would then be given out after the Court receives written reports on the welfare of the adopted child and adoptive parents. The adopted child must be younger than 21 years old.

Departmental Adoption Parents may find the second method, Departmental Adoption, to be a longer process. Adoptive parents would first have to notify the Social Department in the State of their wish and intentions to apply for an adoption order of a child. Adoptive parents would then receive an “offer” letter if their application is approved by the Social Welfare Department. Notifications would be handwritten. Lawyers would not be involved in Departmental Adoptions; therefore, parents would have to enquire on the status of their application directly from the Registration Department. Once a report on the child and the adoptive parents are submitted, the case will come to an end. On the whole, this procedure may take two years or more. In this case, the adoptive child must be younger than 18 years old.

De Facto Adoption The De Facto adopting process means that a child exists whether or not he or she has the proper documents or birth certificates. It is stated in Section 6(1) of Act 253, that the adopted child would be educated, raised and cared for by the adoptive parents for at least two years. Under the de facto process, the adopting process enables a single father to adopt a female child. Adoptive parents need to obtain a letter of consent from the child’s natural parents in order to proceed with the procedure. The child that is to be adopted cannot be married and must be younger than 18 years old. A payment of RM 30 would be made when the application is approved.

Un-official adoption Un-official adoption, in general, is usually not so much a desperate adoption process. It is common among family members where a cousin or sibling who may have more children than they are able to financially manage, offer one or more of their children to more well-to-do family members or those who have no children of their own. Sometimes, it may be friends of friends or a family friend or some friend of a relation that offers their child to be raised by a family they believe will provide a better life for their child. There is usually no written agreement in black and white stating details of how the child is raised or who has legal rights in different circumstances and such. It is normally a verbal agreement and understanding among those involved. The legal implications and complications that may occur through this form of ‘adoption’ are numerous but it is not likely to dissipate anytime soon.

January - February 2009

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Buying Babies Due to the obviously difficult, long and complicated legal process in adopting a child, many resort to illegal methods of obtaining the child they want so badly, specifically, buying babies which they aren’t able to conceive themselves. The baby-selling syndicate is one that has been around for many years and thriving in Malaysia. In fact, there is such a large demand for babies to adopt that (according to news reports by publications such as Singapore’s Straits Times, The Star, and BBC Asia over the years) there are a number of methods for the baby to be obtained – all illegal and dangerous. There are those who kidnap babies and sell them, syndicates which force prostitutes to give birth to babies which are promptly sold, as well as foreign students being approached to act as surrogate mothers to bear a baby for the desperate would-be parent(s). These methods of obtaining a baby pose a variety of problems that may not occur to the parents. For one, the legal punishments for being involved in such transactions are very heavy. Second, the child’s medical history would be unobtainable and untraceable which may cause untold problems in the future. This is not to mention the fact that the biological parents of these children may not have had a choice or chose to give up their child willingly.

Adoption Story Tini (not her real name) is one of the many examples of parents resorting to unofficial adoption methods. After unsuccessfully trying to have children on their own, they finally came to a decision to adopt a child. However, having heard horror stories from those who have attempted to adopt a child through legal means, she opted to ‘unofficially’ adopt a child instead. After some enquiries from those whom they could adopt a child, they found a mother of five who wanted to give up one of her children because she couldn’t afford to support the child anymore. She had reached this decision after her husband landed in jail. An exchange was agreed upon which included not only medical assistance and basic necessities but also a small “fee” for the child. After the baby was born, they continued the process of claiming the child by obtaining legal documents declaring them as parents with little difficulty. Years after the illegal process of getting the child, they have not faced problems with the authorities or faced any complications in raising it.

Conclusions While we can understand and appreciate the frustration and pain would-be parents face when they fail to adopt a child through legal ways, illegal methods should not be supported or resorted to, especially that of buying babies with its many potential pitfalls. The legal methods to adopt a child may be filled with many frustrations but patience needs to be called on as we must appreciate that much like every other country in the world, these government servants are few, underpaid and overworked. Simply reassessing the laws pertaining to adoption may not be enough, although it is an essential change required to ease the process and decrease the number of illegal adoptions, as more government servants or legal agents are required to deal with the large number of adoption applications.

Sources

• http://malaysia.usembassy.gov/consularwebsite/visa/iv/adoption.pdf • http://www.moha.gov.my/eng/3rdLevel.asp?tt=27&parentid=514&contentID=518 • http://ukinmalaysia.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-malaysia/general-advice/adoption • http://www.wao.org.my/news/20030111knowrghts_adoption1.htm • http://www.ikim.gov.my/v5/index.php?lg=1&opt=com_article&grp=2&sec=&key=652&cmd=resetal

January - February 2009

Parenting 101

Parents share life lessons with other parents

Parenting 101

It doesn’t mean that mum or dad have to stay at home with the kids all the time. As long as they are sensitive to their children’s needs and spend enough time with them to make the bonding worthwhile then that moment will be treasured by their kids forever. - Ahmad, Sales Manager We live in a world where time is of great scarcity. It seems that parents nowadays have less time for their children. But time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you can possibly have with them while they’re young. - Mohan K, retired officer Breaking up with my wife was hard enough. Now I have to lose touch with my son. I feel the loss of that everyday contact and I know he misses me, too. I don’t know what the best way is for me to stay involved with his life but I have to keep contact for him to know that I’m hanging in there for him. - J.B. Jaafar

Are You

an ‘Absentee

My husband and I are divorced now and we both live with our new families. Even if he lives a long way from our daughter, he is still her father. No matter that we both have our new families now, she needs and deserves to know that she is loved and wanted by both her parents. - Aileen Yoong

Parent’?

Who’s raising your kids? How involved are you in their lives? Are you hands on or has the baton been passed to their grandparents, other guardians, or nannies?

Do you make the personal sacrifice of leaving your preschooler at a daycare centre while you work to earn your keep, hope to get promoted to a bigger title or receive extra professional recognition? Are your kids being raised by babysitters, extended family or other caregivers while you work for your daily wages? Are you parenting from a distance because of job relocation demands or are you a non-custodial parent due to a breakup from your spouse? Are you not involved in your children’s lives at all simply because you are unfit to be a parent? If your answer to the above questions is ‘yes,’ then you are what is called an ‘absentee parent.’ This means that you just aren’t making the time to be a consistent, predictable part of your child’s life, whether you like it or not.

January - February 2009

Most couples nowadays are dual career couples where both the father and the mother work to earn a living. More often than not, these couples work because they must. Career opportunities mean time away from their family and they simply have no choice. Then there are those who lose touch with their kids after separation or divorce. A single parent may be raising a child alone because the other parent has a drug or drinking problem, or may not want to have any responsibility over the child at all. We live in a time when parents and children spend many of their waking hours apart. Children of today spend too little time with protective, loving adults and family members and this chronic separation shows that children are becoming worse off. Fellow parents share some tips on how not to fall into the absentee parenting trap and how to create optimal conditions for a healthy, connected relationship with your children. I go to work everyday an unhappy man as I picture my little girl

crying at the daycare centre for 12 hours while I work. I have no choice. I can’t quit and stay at home. Both my wife and my salary combined are not even enough to keep us afloat. But that doesn’t make me feel less guilty for leaving my toddler in tears each morning in the hands of total strangers. - Alwin Ho, Systems Analyst Don’t feel guilty, they say. Even if I earn enough money to afford the best child care, it can never take the place of the warmth and doting attention we, parents, can give. - Jessica Chan, Advertising Executive If babysitters are raising your kids, then you should be worried about how they will turn out. They will grow up as problem adolescents who won’t listen to you because you weren’t there when they needed you. Working parents should consider sacrificing work time and maybe even careers to devote themselves to family matters. Turn down that new job, promotion or relocation if it would mean less family time. - H. Shah, Businessman January - February 2009

Parenting 101

Parents share life lessons with other parents

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

Despite separation, children should still have both parents in their lives. When they benefit from both parents’ strengths and experience, they have better self-esteem, well-being and succeed in life. - Alan Terry

I face a similar situation as a single mum. I explain to my daughter that families are different from one another – some have two parents, some have only a mum or a dad, and others have grandparents, other relatives or step mums and dads. - Jessica Kwan

I may be far away from my kids because of my work assignment but whenever I get to go home, I plan what I’m going to do with my children. Our time together doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. As long as they know that they are important elements in our lives, they will enjoy spending our time together. - Peter Yeo

My ex-husband was abusive. That is the reason why we divorced. He is not safe to have around our kids so when they ask about him, I tell them that daddy gets sick a lot when he drinks and behaves in a dangerous way. Still, I tell them that there are good things about their father and how I see those good things in them whenever I look at them. Whatever I do, I make sure they don’t feel any guilt for why dad doesn’t live with us anymore. - S. Ahmad

Be there for them – online, on the phone or even by snail mail. These can never replace being physically there for your children but at least you stay in touch. No matter what, always make contact with your kids to make them realise that you care. - A.K. Zainuddin I work during the day. After work, I go home, make dinner, help the kids with their homework then try to fit in some quality fun time with them somehow just before they go to bed. Just because I work full time doesn’t mean I fail as a mother. I may be home a quarter of the time but I’m still very much a part of my kids’ day-to-day lives. - J Teh

I’m a single mum too. But even though my son’s father and I never married, he had stayed active in our son’s life. For that, I am thankful. It’s always best for children to grow up with two involved parents. - Naomi Tan

Celebrity Corner

Hollywood stars show love by adopting kids around the world In this age of “disposable” or “throw-away” society, we have seen some children abandoned, forgotten, left, sold or simply given away. In the most unlikely place called Hollywood, we find a haven for these unwanted children.

I am a single parent and I had my son as a result of one night of indiscretion. My boy is six years old now and asks who and where his daddy is. Though his father would never have a part of him, I try not to bad-mouth him. I say: “Being a daddy is a big job and your daddy was not ready for that. So he went away. But mummy will always be here for you and mummy’s so happy to have you as her son.” - Winnie Liew

LOS ANGELES --- We see A-listers, big name celebrities adopting not only from Third World countries but also right in their neighborhood. We are touched that the love the stars show for these children is the same as what they shower on their natural children. Or they simply love their adopted kids as if they were truly theirs. Leading the pack of well-known Hollywood stars in this department is Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie or more popularly known together as “Brangelina.”

in 2007. Angelina adopted the boy as a single parent because Vietnam’s adoption regulations do not allow unmarried couples to co-adopt.

Angelina first adopted a son from Cambodia, Maddox Chivan, when she was still married to actor Billy Bob Thornton. She got custody of Maddox, who was born on August 5, 2001, when she and Billy Bob divorced on May 27, 2003.

The following year, Brad and Angelina became the proud parents of twins --Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline JoliePitt --- who were born on July 12, 2008 in Nice, France.

Then Angelina adopted a daughter from Ethiopia, Zahara Marley. Both Maddox and Zahara were legally adopted by Brad as his own children as well in 2006. Soon, Brad and Angelina had their own natural child, Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt who was born on May 27, 2006 in Namibia. After Shiloh, the couple surprised everybody again when they adopted another son, Pax Thien, a three-yearold boy from a Vietnamese orphanage 22

January - February 2009

Photos Credit: Janet Susan R. Nepales

Too much parental absence in the family leads to juvenile problems. When kids are allowed to sit around and do as they please all day unsupervised by parents, then you can expect behavioral and emotional problems to arise. - S. Ganisan

In an interview, Angelina mentioned that she and Brad “are not done yet” having babies. Brad, in a separate interview, confirmed it and said, “Well, we haven’t found any reason not to yet.” He explained, “We haven’t found any reason not to yet. It is chaos at moments but there’s such joy in the house. I look down and there’s our boy from Vietnam, our daughter from Ethiopia, our girl who was born in Namibia, our son who’s from Cambodia and they are brothers and sisters, man. They are like blood relations and it is such a sight that make us feel

elated. Given that with our jobs, we have the capability to also give someone a home, provide a home… Let me tell you, it’s selfish too because the reward has been extraordinary so no, we haven’t found any reason to stop yet.” Brad added that having twins is “double the pleasure, I tell you. It’s double the fun.” He also proudly narrated that he pitches in to help Angelina with the baby chores: “I’m fairly good with a diaper and all that. You got to do it quick because something about air contact that makes them want to go all over again. I’ve got it down pretty quick. I’m pretty good.” As for playing with other kids, Brad pointed out that “it’s really important that everyone gets their individual time and group time. So it’s a big focus of ours.” Another popular couple who adopted kids was Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman when they were married. Together, they adopted January - February 2009

Celebrity Corner

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

their daughter, Isabella Jane, born in 1992 and their son, Connor Antony, born in 1995. Tom and Nicole divorced in August 2001 after 10 years of marriage. Tom, now married to actress Katie Holmes (whom he calls Kate), has a daughter with her, Suri Cruise, who was born on April 18, 2006. Said Tom in an interview, “Oh yes, we’ll have more children.” Then he added, “But you know, Kate’s working and we’re enjoying this time right now. It’s very precious. We don’t get this time back. That’s why when Suri was born we all just really shut down everything for months, just for all the families to be with Suri and the kids and everyone to have that.” As a parent the second time around, Tom admitted that he did remember everything. “It came right back,” he said. “With Bella, I remember looking at any breath that she took. I’ll never forget the

January - February 2009

Kidz exclusive interview feature with the stars

Celebrity Corner

first night with Bella. We laugh about it because I looked at Bella and I said, ‘I think I kept you up more that first night.’ I was much more relaxed with Connor. As with Suri, I feel like I was a very helpful husband (laughter). The magical ones are when she is asleep on my chest. But I know the drill. The crying means it’s gas, diaper, or hungry. I just keep saying, ‘Gas, diaper, hungry.’” Nicole, on the other hand, who married country singer Keith Urban, is the proud mother of Sunday Rose who was born on July 7, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. Nicole, who is a doting mother, disclosed that they named their baby Sunday because “that is our favourite day of the week.” In an interview, Nicole admitted, “I still could not believe I’ve got this little beautiful girl who I just left down in our house, playing in her Fisher Price Baby Einstein (laughter) and waving goodbye. That to me, as much as I love making movies and everything, it’s like everything for me has now settled into a place of peacefulness. I’m interested in making films but I am not that interested anymore which I know you’re not meant to say but that’s where it sits for me now at 41 years old. I’m very happy with being in

Tennessee with my baby and with my husband.” Other celebrities who adopted kids are Calista Flockhart, Hugh Jackman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jane Fonda, Julie Andrews, Kate Jackson, Marie Osmond, Sharon Stone, Bob and Dolores Hope, Ozzy and

Sharon Osborne, and of course, Mia Farrow who had a total of 14 children --- 9 adopted and 5 biological. ---NEPALES

January - February 2009

Wish Upon Kidz

When you wish upon Kidz, your dreams may come true!

Wish Upon Kidz

Asylum Asylum Seekers Seekers Reach Reach Out Out to to Cyclone Cyclone Victims Victims By Sharine, Shazana & Yi Xiang

Each of us, three college students interning at this publication, were touched and amazed at the generosity and kindness these children held in their hearts. All of us wish that every person will remember that there is always someone out there suffering more misfortune than they are, that each of these children would be placed in developed countries as soon as possible and that every dream they hold dear is fulfilled.

Children should be able to go to school to learn lessons. They ought to be able to have three warm meals to look forward to each day. To go outside and play in the park under the sunshine should be a given for each one. Instead, these children – asylum seekers from Myanmar – risked death to escape undue persecution in their own country, live in constant fear of deportment, thus, forcing them to hide, bear hunger pangs and are malnourished because their meals are few and far between. They are alone, having lost loved ones and family members either by separation or death, and they suffer more hardship than many of us are not able to, and may never be able to, relate to or understand. An asylum seeker is defined as anyone who applies for protection and safety in another country after fleeing their own for persecution of any kind. However, Malaysia does not have any laws or regulations enacted to recognise or protect asylum seekers. Even refugees recognised and in possession of legal documentation provided for by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are not protected under any laws, which means they are not immune to being arrested or detained for immigration-related accusations. Yet despite all the problems and difficulties these refugees face, they are thankful and happy to be in Malaysia where they insist life is still better and filled with more hope than they had back in Myanmar. They make the best of the situation presented to them. Lulu, however, decided to take it a step further and provide these child refugees the opportunity to obtain a priceless asset that no amount of money can truly buy a person – an education. She was inspired by her brother who passed away years ago as he lacked the ability to speak English, thus rendered unable to communicate and ask for help. She began teaching a few children in the tiny flat where she lived, and, within months, she had more students than she could handle or teach. Now she has roughly a dozen teachers conducting lessons for more than a hundred and fifty students whose ages range from about five to 18 years old. Her greatest hope and wish is to eventually own a building which they may turn into a school for refugees as she believes an education is essential and should be made available for each and every person. Teacher Belle, a local volunteer, is a bubbly and cheerful woman who became involved with the children after her friend told her of their plight. Although she is the teacher, she claims that the children have taught her more than she ever thought possible. Their ability to smile and laugh and play and feel gratitude for every little blessing in their lives touches her. She wishes the children could simply have ‘Freedom’. Freedom to go to school, to play in the park, to not feel afraid each time they hear a loud sound or siren. Things we take for granted every day. 26

January - February 2009

Lulu (in red) & some of the volunteer teachers While they may endure more suffering than any child should ever have to, the children were upset and saddened by the cyclone disaster that struck Myanmar and wanted to do something to help the victims and their countrymen. Thus, the book ‘My Beautiful Myanmar’ was conceptualised and born. Teacher Belle spearheaded the project by getting the cooperation of printers and bookstores to become involved in the creation and distribution of the book. The children contributed their stories and artwork which made up the book, taking their role very seriously, because although they were forced to flee their country – they still love Myanmar and many hope to eventually return there as doctors and teachers to contribute to their homeland. Teacher Belle says that she assisted some of the children to write and rewrite their work up to three times because they were so determined to produce the best work they were capable of. The book is now available at Borders bookstores and all funds raised will be sent to assist the Cyclone victims rebuild their homes, livelihoods and lives. The refugee children will be granted a trip to the beach once their goal of RM100,000 to give to the Myanmar cyclone victims is achieved. It will be the highlight of their year as most of them have not ever seen the ocean and many have never had the chance to play and relax under the sun.

Writer’s Note If you are interested in volunteering your time to teach or taking the kids out for trips, do let us know. Of course, your contributions in cash or kind will go a long way in sustaining the two refugee schools run by the Kachin community. You can find out more by sending an email to my.beautiful.myanmar@gmail.com January - February 2009

Kidz for Kids Outreach

Kidz for Kidz Outreach is dedicated to kids in need. We believe in helping charitable organisations that support children.

Kidz for Kids Outreach

new, unfamiliar animals. ntv7 is also aware of the serious need of preserving animals, so throughout the whole trip, ‘Your Feel Good Channel’ shared its commitments and strategies in dealing with such matters with the children. After lunch, the children found out that they were in for a special treat. As the trip was held in conjunction with the Malaysian Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 competition (sponsored by the Zoo), the children got to take part in the contest. Each of them was given an exclusive digital camera sponsored by the camera brand DG and given photography lessons by professional wildlife photographers. They were required to capture their best moments during their day trip. The lucky winner with the best photo submitted will win a trophy and lucrative prizes at a special award ceremony dinner by His Majesty Yang Di Pertuan Agong Al Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al Muktafi Billah Shah next year. In 2009, the 7 Patrol team will be carrying out an infinite range of CSR projects, including ntv7 Go Green, World Cancer Day, World Health Day and ntv7’s Denggi Campaign. So it just goes to show that big corporations are not just all about making money; sometimes they just want to make a difference.

ntv7: Spreading the Feel Good Feeling Fifty two orphans from Rumah Kebajikan Anbu Ilham, Rumah Kids and Persatuan Penyayang Raudhah had a great time on their visit to Zoo Negara on 19th November 2008. It was a day filled with entertainment, laughter and fun learning. The trip was one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that ntv7 actively organises. Hosted by the popular 7 Patrol team on ntv7, the excited orphans were given lots of valuable information about endangered wildlife by WWF Malaysia. A joint effort with the environmental conservation organisation, the children also got to participate in some exciting activities to broaden their knowledge on important issues and to educate them on the key factors to protecting wildlife. 7 Patrol consists of the funky and bright youths, Ashraf (Captain), Shila, Mervin, Shaza, Ming Wei and Arvind. The team has carried out various CSR projects including their recent Buka Puasa hosting at Rumah Penyayang Hembusan Kasturi, Klang in September 2008. Since the inception of 7 Patrol, the team has taken a lot of initiatives to ‘add more colours’ to the general community’s life, especially that of orphans. 7 Patrol is focused and determined to lend a helping hand in ensuring that children are leading a better life. Zoo Negara is definitely a place for fun excursions where kids can learn about animals. Home to over 137 animals from 459 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, the zoo is teeming with wildlife. It also offers not-to-be-missed, firstrate animal shows and live action stunts, including Orang Utan and sea lion performances. The field trip to the zoo served a variety of purposes, such as exposing children to and educating them about familiar and 28

January - February 2009

About ntv7 The year 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of ntv7, celebrating “10 Feel Good Years” on air! The station first came on air on 7th April 1998 and was Malaysia’s third private free-to-air television station. The station has positioned itself as a “Feel Good” channel, and along this tagline has set itself apart from the other stations with an emphasis on branding. ntv7 is also synonymous with the urban viewers providing trendy, interactive and enriching content that transcends across various digital media platforms such as 3G and mobile content. ntv7 is wholly owned by Media Prima Berhad, the largest integrated media house in Malaysia which also owns TV3 (first private free-to-air television station in Malaysia), 8TV (the first station for young viewers), TV9, Grand Brilliance Sdn. Bhd. (film production and distributor), 43% equity in the New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad - one of the largest newspaper production groups, two radio stations - Fly FM and Hot FM and three outdoor media companies - Big Tree Outdoor Sdn. Bhd., UPD Sdn. Bhd. and The Right Channel Sdn. Bhd.

January - February 2009

In Focus

Education

6 Malaysian students Crowned as World Champions - E.nopi MATH Olympiad 2008

Literacy Tips Literacy : the art of being fluent in a language, including expressive and receptive competency in the language, reading, writing, spelling and all aspects of verbal and written communication.

Originating from Korea, Daekyo Malaysia has firmly established itself as one of the best leading education brands in Malaysia. Since its establishment locally in 2004, there are now over 45 centres around Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Perak and Penang. Today, it is leading the way to bring out the best in every child through its E.nopi MATH programme. E.nopi MATH Olympiad is a competition designed to challenge students’ math skills with respect to a Global Standard in a variety of areas, such as problem solving, reasoning, communication and critical thinking. Since the Olympiad enables a supervisor to accurately test and gauge the mathematical ability of students in such a wide field of knowledge, it is fair to say that it is a test that adheres to Global Standards.

slowly slowly (rrrice (rrrice and and ice). ice). Ask Ask your your child child what what sound sound in in “rice” “rice” is is different different than than in in the the word word “ice”. “ice”.

We We are are at at aa point point in in our our literacy literacy tips tips where where your your child child has has learnt learnt something something about about sentences sentences and and syllables syllables and and more more importantly, importantly, aa lot lot about about phonemes. phonemes.

The E.nopi MATH Olympiad is an annual math contest that began in 2004 in which E.nopi students worldwide can participate. In 2008, students from USA, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines took part in the competition. Six Malaysian students – Jonson Tham Chun Hong, Choi Szun Kidd, Athan Siah Zen Hann, Joey Leong Wen Ai, Cheryn Ng Buo-Yen and Ainaa Yuhana binti Mohd Yusri – achieved the highest scores worldwide and became the world champions in the P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 categories.

These These tips tips won’t won’t guarantee guarantee that that your your child child develops develops instant instant reading reading skills, skills, but but they they will will lay lay the the foundations foundations of of reading reading independence. independence. This This month month we we explore explore how how children children who who are are still still struggling struggling with with phonemes phonemes can can be be helped. helped.

For current E.nopi students, the Olympiad inspires them to strive towards higher goals in their studies at E.nopi while providing them with a study guide. The Olympiad is a quality test that is available to all students, and aims to promote the mathematical skills of students of all levels all around the world.

Say Say aa word word pair, pair, for for example example “rice” “rice” and and II Can Can Read Read 25.6.08.ai 25.6.08.ai 25/6/08 25/6/08 4:11:52 4:11:52 PM PM “ice”. “ice”. Have Have your your child child repeat repeat both both words words

Students are first placed into different categories from Primary 1 up to Secondary level. Students will then need to complete a test paper in 50 minutes, whereby the top three students of each category will then be chosen and awarded the winners. E.nopi MATH Olympiad 2008 was conducted on 9th November 2008 (Sunday) at Eastin Hotel, PJ. The winners were:

In Focus

Your Your child child should should say say “r-r-rice…ice” “r-r-rice…ice” “... “... rr-r.” rr-r.” IfIf he he or or she she is is still still unsure, unsure, assist assist by by working working through through the the segmentation segmentation process process slowly, slowly, so so that that your your child child hears hears the the /r/ /r/ sound. sound. Keep Keep reminding reminding your your child child that that when when we we speak speak we we use use words, words, and and that that words words have have little little sounds. sounds. These These games games help help your your child child to to discover discover those those little little sounds. sounds. When When your your child child is is able able to to differentiate differentiate between between first first sounds, sounds, you you may may ask ask the the difference difference between between “bat” “bat” and and “bag”, “bag”, “man” “man” and and “mat”, “mat”, exploring exploring ifif he he or or she she can can tell tell you you the the meanings meanings (which (which shows shows they they have have heard heard the the last last sounds) sounds) and and then then tell tell you you which which sounds sounds are are different different in in each each word word pair. pair.

Sometimes Sometimes your your child child may may start start saying saying the the letter letter name name and and not not the the sound. sound. For For instance, instance, ifif you you ask ask for for the the first first sound sound in in “cat” “cat” and and he he says says “see” “see” or or for for the the first first sound sound in in “table” “table” and and he he says says “tee”, “tee”, what what has has happened happened is is that that your your child child is is learning learning (usually (usually from from his his kindergarten) kindergarten) to to spell spell words words that that he he cannot cannot yet yet read read (decode). (decode). ItIt is is also also probable probable your your child child could could be be confused confused by by being being taught taught the the “ay“aybeesee” beesee” (letter (letter names) names) alphabet, alphabet, rather rather than than the the sounds, sounds, which which should should be be taught taught before before the the letters! letters!

The internationally acclaimed literacy system.

P1 Category 1st - Jonson Tham Chun Hong 2nd - Fang Wei Liang, Samuel 3rd - Lim Li Yen P2 Category 1st - Choi Szun Kidd 2nd - Teo Kok Hong 3rd - Alexander Yong Shi Foong P3 Category 1st - Athan Siah Zen Hann 2nd - Sum Wen Hong 3rd - Nehemiah Koh Tien Yi P4 Category 1st - Joey Leong Wen Ai 2nd - Voon Fu Sing 3rd - Ler Rui Lin P5 Category 1st - Cheryn Ng Buo-Yen 2nd - Leong Wen Yu 3rd - Teo Rou Voon P6 Category 1st - Ainaa Yuhana binti Mohd Yusri 2nd - Kylie Tee Yi Qing 3rd - Chiong Su Jia P7 Category 1st - Suanne Lee Chooi Tzan 2nd - Lim Chuan Li 3rd - Ian Lim Tze Han 30

January - February 2009

P2 Category Winners The interconnected pathways of E.nopi MATH’s 32 levels of study progressively foster functional understanding of many inter-related concepts and their applications to daily life. Each level of study includes both Basic Thinking Math and Critical Thinking Math lessons. Basic Thinking Math lessons help students develop a basic foundation in mathematics, including an understanding of numbers and arithmetic, application of arithmetic and equations. Critical Thinking Math lessons help students progress beyond foundational skills to learn more advanced concepts and application through study of patterns and relationships, geometry, measurement, problem solving and reasoning. To learn more about E.nopi MATH, visit any of its centres located nearest to your area. To register or to find out about franchise opportunity, contact 1300-88-0909, email malaysia@enopi.com or visit www.enopi.com

All levels! All ages! • reading • writing

• speaking • grammar

• spelling

• comprehension

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Subang Subang Jaya Jaya Centre Centre 27A 27A Jalan Jalan SS15/2A SS15/2A (Opposite (Opposite Subang Subang Carrefour) Carrefour) 47500 47500 Subang Subang Jaya Jaya January - February Tel: Tel: 03-56317431 03-56317431

2009

In Focus

Learning with Lorna Whiston

Getting Ready for the New School Year All parents are anxious to give their children a headstart and help them to be ready for school. But how do you go about preparing your child without causing undue stress or expecting too much too soon?

When it comes to physical readiness, all children need to be physically fit and healthy to enjoy and do well at school. Some children are naturally stronger and better coordinated but all children enjoy physical activity. Encourage your child to go for a walk, run, dance, climb or play ball games – all of these activities will help develop gross motor skills. To develop fine motor control, do jigsaw puzzles, draw, paint, cut and paste.

Whether your child is going into kindergarten or Standard 1, there are developmental milestones that they should ideally reach before they start school. These milestones can be broadly categorised as: • • • •

Intellectual readiness Physical readiness Emotional readiness Social readiness

Intellectual readiness concerns a child’s appropriate level of mental development. As with all areas of readiness, there is a broad range at each age level of what is considered ‘normal’. For instance, some children are able to read quite fluently by the time they enter kindergarten; some may not be reading at all. Before entering school, children are expected to be mentally developed to learn the skills that will be taught in the first term, therefore finding out about the school syllabus in advance will help. However, avoid getting your child to work through all their school books before the school year begins as this will only guarantee one thing – sheer boredom when they have to do them again in class. Whether your child is three or six years old, help prepare them intellectually for school via books and stories, by doing art and craft activities and by encouraging them to explore and question for themselves. Activities such as making their own simple books, baking a cake or planting seeds help them by focus on skill areas they will encounter later in reading, mathematics and science. If your child is going into Standard 1, make sure they understand the value of different coins and help them to practise buying things at the supermarket so that they can feel more confident about ordering food at the school tuck shop.

January - February 2009

Fitness

Education

In Focus

Learning to Swim Learning to swim is one of the most important skills we should teach our children, for safety, as well as for fun and exercise. There is no best age to teach them as it depends on your access to a pool and finding the right instructor. Bear in mind that many children may be afraid of the water so you should find professional instructors to teach them, especially at the early stages. Learning to swim will also help develop the child’s confidence; but, remember that it takes time and practice.

Children feel all the emotions that adults do, but being emotionally ready for school means they have to learn how to handle their feelings. For instance, if a child gets angry, they have to understand that it is not permissible to respond with violence. Many children become very worried and afraid of what awaits them at a new school. So plan a few visits there before term starts to familiarise children with the surroundings. Make it sound like a fun and exciting place. For children starting Standard 1, help them memorise contact numbers so that they know they can get hold of you should they need to. Making sure your child knows who they can turn to for help in school will give them a sense of security and confidence. Make sure they are familiar with the school rules to avoid any unnecessary or embarrassing situations. Get them to help you label their belongings for easy identification to develop feelings of responsibility and independence. Allowing your child to choose their own stationery and supplies will also help increase their excitement and allay their fears. School can be a very difficult experience for a child who is not socially mature. Turn-taking, sharing, following rules, respecting other’s property and being polite or well-behaved are just some of the many skills your child will need to learn to get along in the school environment. Start introducing these ideas early on in life and your child will find the transition to a new school year much easier. Article contributed by Lorna Whiston Study Centres

Qualified swimming instructors have undergone rigorous water safety and life-saving training and are the best teachers for children. If you are unsure, always ask to see their certification. How to choose the right swimming class for your child: • Visit the pool and check that it is clean and well maintained. • The swimming pool area should only be accessed by students and instructors. It should not be open to members of the public during classes. Where the class is held in a public pool, there should be a section cordoned off for the students. • Check instructors’ credentials. Ask other parents for testimonials if possible. • Changing rooms should be clean and free from mould. • If possible, watch a class and see how the instructors interact with the children. Note if the children are enjoying the lesson. • Remember that children need the water temperature to be warmer. • The student/teacher ratio should be small so that the child gets enough attention and the child does not have to wait too long for his or her turn with the instructor. • A good programme also teaches a child how to be safe in and around water. • There should be a structured programme with a logical progression of swimming skills. If your child is fearful of water, you may wish to get into the pool with him or her on the first few classes or take a few dips in the shallow end of your local pool to get your child acclimatised to the water.

January - February 2009

In Focus

Health

Education

In Focus

Understanding EQ

Coping in Crisis

Emotional intelligence is a person's ability to understand their own emotions and those of others, and to manage these emotions in ourselves and in our relationships. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is considered the new intelligence of the 21st century. Where IQ relates to the left brain, EQ is very much about right brain emotions. When you are smart about emotions, you are able to build strong relationships with others and more importantly, with your children. A person with high EQ is happy, confident and successful. A low EQ person is likely to lack self-confidence, is afraid of change, unable to accept criticism, selfish and pessimistic. You can learn to develop your emotional intelligence by recognising, understanding and using emotions.

EQ in the family and how to raise it Do not hide your feelings behind words.

The current economic crisis has impacted many people and the turbulence and uncertainty can leave many feeling lost and confused. Though many consumers may not fully understand the global crisis, what each and every person should do is to take control and care of their personal finances to ensure that they not only survive the crisis but they emerge from it stronger financially.

Focus on the learning and stay out of blame. It is important to look at the present and not rehash the past in order to create and build the relationship. Where two children are fighting over a toy, do not tell them to stop fighting; but, rather, try to get them to compromise on sharing the toy or to take turns in playing with the toy. This is a simple but powerful tool that helps to resolve conflict by focusing on improvement.

Every little bit helps No matter how small it may seem, every change can have an impact. Think of switching off electrical items when not in use, cut down on the number of hours of television viewing, do not leave the water heater on when you have finished in the shower. Hard habit to break You may have to change some of your regular routines in order to save money. The weekly family night out could become fortnightly or monthly occurrences. You could also do without the Saturday afternoon at the mall or Friday night at the movies in order to preserve the cash flow. A stitch in time Do not incur unnecessary charges or penalties for late payments by paying your bills on time.

Don't avoid big issues Avoiding these problems will not make them go away. Seek help from a financial adviser or a good friend. If you have large financial issues, seek to negotiate repayment terms with your creditor. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes The only people who make money from these schemes are the ones selling it to you. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is so do not fall for these cons which are designed to help you part with your money.

For the rainy day Ensure you have some money put away for emergencies. The rule of thumb is that it should be at least three times your monthly income. If you do not already have an emergency fund, start saving today and keep the money in a separate bank account so that you are not tempted to spend it. 34

January - February 2009

1. 2.

Most people are brought up and told they need to be polite. In doing so, you tend to mask your true feelings which can send mixed signals to others. For example, you may be very angry but you say “I am not angry” even if it is obvious that you are. A child may sense the anger but cannot reconcile it with the parent saying he or she is not angry.

This article was contributed by Angus Carter, Trainer of Financial Literacy programme in Practice (FLiP). For more information for upcoming FLiP classes for children, call 03-2144 5733 or email kidzsmart@gmail.com

Ask questions that matter. It is a sad fact of the 21st century that most parents do not spend enough time with their children. So if you cannot increase the amount of time you have with your child, make sure you ask questions that matter and that you are genuinely interested in. Instead of the rather perfunctory “What did you do today?” ask your child if he had any interesting lessons or if she made any new friends. But you should only ask questions where you care to know the answer, and not just ask for the sake of asking.

Continuous affirmations of love and care. Simple messages of love go a long way to reinforce connections with your family. A short sms or email, a hug every morning or a note pinned to the refrigerator may seem trivial but they send the message that the recipient is thought of and loved. It pays to spend a few seconds of caring for a lifetime of sharing.

4. 5.

Giving time In today’s busy world, we are so busy rushing around that it is easy to forget that we need to give some of our time to our loved ones. But giving time does not mean they are to pull you away from your work and interrupt you. It is about giving them your attention and focusing on their needs in that time frame. It does not always mean you have to be doing something. You could just be sitting with your family and just being with them.

January - February 2009

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Events that rock, kids that rule!

Free basic first aid training On 2nd November, more than 100 residents of Bandar Utama took part in the free Citizen's Action in Response to Emergencies (CARE) first aid training programme. Organised by the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners'

Association of Malaysia (FPMPAM) and St. John's Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM), the training saw residents learning what to do in emergency situations such as when a person is choking, unconscious, bleeding or in shock. This is the maiden

first aid training session for BU, before moving to other locations around the Klang Valley. Held in conjunction with SJAM's 100th Anniversary, the CARE programme is an outreach course intended to empower individuals with lifesaving skills, featuring short lectures and practical training by SJAM's certified trainers. SJAM also provides first aid training and provides qualified first aiders on a voluntary basis for the relief, comfort and welfare of those in need. For more info or to organise a training session, contact 0320920100 (CARE secretariat) or email citizenresponders@gmail.com

All for the love of a 3 x 3 x 3 cube On 6th November, the Rubik’s Cube Malaysian Open competition organised by Toys “R” Us was held at its Subang Jaya store, where a large crowd gathered to witness talented young Rubik’s Cube players put their skills to the test. The aim of the contest is to encourage youngsters to invest time in games and puzzles that stimulate the mind and promote early learning.

Each participant was given only 15 seconds to view the Rubik’s Cube before kicking off into action. 18 year-old Chong Theng Yee, a student of Multimedia University (Cyberjaya), was crowned the champion with a whooping best time of 19 seconds. The second place went to Gooi Ying Chyi, with an average score of 30.18 seconds and third place to Goh Choo Hee with an average score of 30.24 seconds.

performed for their families and loved ones. Despite unaccommodating weather of dreary clouds and drizzle, it was a full house which was so tight that it forced dozens of proud parents and family members to stand in the aisles to listen to the performance. From the early afternoon, the young talents practised and prepared for the event that would display their months of hard work. The audience enjoyed renditions of Silent Night, Merry Christmas, Jingle Bells, and many other beautiful classics and even several jazz pieces performed by various instruments such as the guitar, piano and violin. The teachers also had the opportunity to exhibit their own talents to entertain members of the academy and visitors alike. One of the Academy’s piano tutors

January - February 2009

World AIDS Day World AIDS Day, observed on 1st December, is the day when individuals and organisations around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President of the Malaysian AIDS Council and Chairman of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, launched Strategic Plan 2008-2010 at Berjaya Times Square on 30th November 2008. The event started off with a 200-cyclist rally in the 30-km ride around Golden Triangle in Kuala Lumpur. Graced by Guest of Honour Tan Sri Dato' Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and Chairman of the National Service Training Council, the event saw 1,000 visitors, including stakeholders, sponsors and general public as well the marginalised groups. The Strategic Plan aims to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV as well as to fight prejudice and to improve education. The NGOs are trying to introduce HIV/AIDS

and sex education in schools. Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise reminds the government agencies that they have to play its role to implement it nationwide. The NGOs also hope to create awareness that HIV/AIDS patients can live a minimum of 49 years with free treatment in Malaysia. For more info, visit www.mac.org.my

Nuffnang Friso Family Day Out Friso, a trusted brand of Dutch Lady Malaysia, alongside Nuffnang Malaysia, South East Asia’s largest blog advertising network, and Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad created an opportunity for parent bloggers to meet face-to-face for the first time on 29th November 2008. Nuffnang Friso Family Day Out was aimed at strengthening child-parent relationships through various activities. Parent bloggers from Nuffnang Malaysia turned up at Kizsports & Gym (One Utama Shopping Centre) for a bonding opportunity with their children. Nuffnang Friso Family Day Out gave out awards to the winners of the Best Blog Entry contest. Hisyam Bin Mohamed, the Grand Winner, received a trip to Disneyland Hong Kong sponsored by Friso. Winners of Post-event Blog Entry would also be given a 32” LCD TV from Sony. For more info, visit www.dutchlady. com.my and www.nuffnang.com.my

(L-R) Goh Choo Hee , Gooi Ying Chyi and the winner Chong Theng Yee posing with prizes and a Rubik’s Cube at the Toys R” Us Rubik’s Cube Malaysian Open in Subang Jaya

Music to warm the heart On 8th December, dozens of talented young musicians, whose ages ranged from six to 16 years old, gathered for a musical recital at Deciso Academy of Music in Bandar Sri Damansara. As students of the music centre, they

Rock ‘n’ Rule

played a gorgeous rendition of Chopin which blew the crowd away. The recital began at four in the afternoon until half past six in the evening, after which everyone adjourned to enjoy a delicious buffet of treats prepared for the young performers and guests. There was also a surprise for all December birthday babies when a cake was presented for all to share. On top of that, guests went home with goodie bags packed with Kidz merchandise, Yes! by Dutch Lady Malaysia and La Fruit Drinks by Yeo’s. A perfect closing to a wondrous Christmas recital. The Deciso Academy of Music offers lessons for various musical skills such as vocals and instruments. For more info, visit www.deciso.my

Charity Dinner Show The Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja, together with Inner Wheel Club of Kuala Lumpur, Toniq Creative Management Sdn Bhd and Your Friendly Entertainer Sdn Bhd organised the “Make Dreams Real” Charity Dinner Show at the Crowne Plaza Mutiara Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 9th November 2008 to raise funds for Pusat Penjagaan Kanakkanak Cacat Taman Megah. Children from the home for the disabled and underprivileged had rehearsed for weeks to entertain the guests with their dances. Other entertainment for the evening included comedienne Joanna Kam Po Po and Datuk Leonard Tan as well as Farah Datuk Seri Sulaiman’s

Junior Sayang Dancers. The event raised RM100,000 which was handed over to representatives from the home on the night. January - February 2009

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Events that rock, kids that rule!

Photo taking contest In conjunction with its 50th Anniversary in Malaysia, Danone Dumex organised a competition called ‘Peraduan Si Manja Dumex Paling Ceria’. The photo contest was to thank consumers for their support and trust, thus making Dumex Dargo a market leader. After the closing date on 15th September 2008, out of approximately 30,000 entries, the crowning glory of this contest was awarded to five year old Nur Ainin Mursalin who won prizes RM50,000 in cash and a holiday for five to Tokyo Disneyland.

Students Students raised raised RM10,000 RM10,000 for for tsunami tsunami victims victims In November 2008, 250 children of Kayee Kunyit Orphanage in Aceh, Indonesia, whose parents tragically perished in the 2004 tsunami there, benefited from the artistic efforts of a group of students from Cempaka School, Cheras. They donated a RM10,000 cheque to MERCY Malaysia, in aid of the orphanage. The cheque was handed over by Datin Freida Pilus, Chairman of Cempaka Schools, to the General Manager of MERCY Malaysia, Ms. Mona Hanim Sheikh Mahmud. The money was raised during a recent art auction of students’ paintings, which was officiated by Mr. Tatang Budie Utama Razak, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Indonesia here. It will be used by MERCY Malaysia to build urgently needed extensions to the classrooms and dormitories of the orphanage which serves five villages near Aceh. The original buildings were built to accommodate 50 children, which are now bursting at the seams with orphans five times that number.

MY MY PLAY PLAY ROOM ROOM @ @ BSC BSC Bangsar Shopping Centre has always offered a wide range of stores that cater to people from all walks of life and now, kids are given their very own floor to enjoy! MY PLAY ROOM is a brand new, dedicated kid’s floor at BSC. It was officially launched on 29th November by celebrity mums, Tania Khan and Ida Nerina. Situated on the fourth floor of the West Wing, it offers exciting activities like JUNGLE GYM, CITY GOLF, ROLLER SPORTS WORLD, STUFF YOUR FACE, SCALECTRIC and more. BSC has always been an ideal destination for families and this new floor offers a warm, safe environment for kids to partake in their chosen activity while parents relax in the cosy surroundings. Mums can unwind at Stuff Your Face as dads enjoy a quick virtual game at City Golf. “Great thought and care has gone into the development of this space to ensure that it is a warm, safe, nurturing environment where kids can play, explore, learn and grow. In the future we will be working with other promotional partners to organise a variety of activities and events for both kids and parents”, said Benjamin Leong, Centre Manager of BSC.

Mulan Mulan @ @ Sri Sri KDU® KDU® On the 11th and 12th November 2008, Sri KDU®’s Primary School Hall was filled with an audience of hundreds, there to watch the largest production ever undertaken by teachers and students. Some 500 students, ranging from seven to 12 years old, combined their talents and skills to make the “Mulan” production a success despite initial skepticism to manage such a large cast. For three weeks, everyone involved rehearsed and practised to ensure the production was a hit. The production of “Mulan” received thunderous applause and was staged four times over the two days to accommodate the high demand from parents. In total, RM22,741.40 was raised and was channelled to Shelter - Home for Children. 38

January - February 2009

Rock ‘n’ Rule

Mercedes-Benz MobileKids campaign

On 4th December 2008, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia successfully concluded its week-long MobileKids 2008 road safety campaign. The event attracted about 1,500 children to participate in the various activities aimed at educating children on mobility safety issues. The highlight was the final Live Quest Q&A sessions where kids showed off their knowledge of road signs and traffic rules where they outdid their parents. Winners walked away with prizes like mountain bikes, safety windbreakers, helmets and attractive Mercedes-Benz merchandise.

Aimed at educating kids in an entertaining and interactive manner, MobileKids 2008 featured several challenging activities for kids. Developed in 2001, MobileKids is designed to engage kids in various fun activities and games encompassing road, traffic and mobility safety issues in a lively, stimulating and interactive environment. The campaign also furthers MercedesBenz’s “Vision of Accident-Free Driving” by reaching the young and instilling in them values of safety, fair-play and alertness on the road. To learn more, go to www.mobilekids.net

Launch of new English centre Morris Allen English opened their first centre in Malaysia on 18th November 2008 at Centrepoint, Petaling Jaya. With five successful centres in Singapore, Malaysian children will now get to experience the unique Morris Allen method of learning. Native English Speakers uses a multi-sensory approach which engages students in lessons that allow learning in a fun and non-threatening environment. Parents who attended the launch witnessed the official opening ceremony at the centre’s ground floor, while children were ushered upstairs to take advantage of the trial lessons being conducted. The event ended with a tour of the Morris Allen English centre and lunch.

Upcoming Events Open Day @ Lorna Whiston Admission: FREE Date: 7th February (Sat) Time: 9.30 – 11.30am; 12.30 – 2.30pm For more info: call 03-7727 1909 or visit www.lornawhiston.com.my Meet the expert teachers at Lorna Whiston Study Centre to find out more

about the benefits of enrolling your children in their interactive programmes. View the centre and see classes in action. The centre offers effective English language classes (toddlers to 16 years old) and Speech & Drama programmes (3 to 18 years old). There are limited places, so do call in advance to register your attendance to avoid disappointment. Registration fee will also be waived for any new enrolments during the Open Day.

KLPac Open Day Admission: FREE Date/ Time: 18th January (Sun) / 10am – 5pm For more info: call 03-4047 9000 / 03-2094 9400 or visit www.klpac.com Following the raging success of its very first Open Day in 2008, KLPac is going all out to bring everyone a bigger and better Open Day 2009! The ever popular guidedtours will be back again, along with a whole host of classical and contemporary performances covering all genres, arts workshops and demonstrations, open rehearsals and film screenings. Members of the public also stand to enjoy special one-day-only ticketing promotions for upcoming shows at KLPac. There will be a flea market and food stalls selling hawker fare at reasonable prices. January - February 2009

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F w or ree g i th Don’t miss out on R Mf t 38 Superkidz Magazine with

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WisHes everyone

HAPPY Chinese New Year

The Last Say

Parents & kids have the last word!

My son came home and told me studying is hard work. I asked what he meant. “Every day during recess I have to run around and hide from the girls and bullies. It’s really tiring you know!”

Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I’ll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There’s so little hope for advancement. Charles M. Schulz (Snoopy)

Soo Yin, mother of Adam (6)

Wishing others well wishes is a good thing, but a more ‘direct’ approach would be to actually do something for them. If you’re really sincere, go visit them, drop off a small gift or just sit and chat for awhile. Sometimes it is truly the small things and thoughts that count. Mei Jeng, mother of one

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. Bill Vaughn (American journalist)

I wish Santa will bring me presents, but I’ve not been very good because I don’t like to share my toys with my baby brother.

Each year is a new year. Tim Buckley (American musician)

Tommy, 5 years old

I always make a lot of resolutions at the beginning of each year, but I never stick to them or achieve anything. So my advice to others is not to make any resolutions. Instead, simply strive to do your best and to live a fulfilling year. May Chen, newly wed

There is no secret ingredient. To make something special you just have to believe it's special. Mr Ping to his son Po (Kungfu Panda)

For my next birthday I won’t wish for anything for myself. I know it sounds corny, but I’d wish for more compassion in the world, and for more miracles to happen to deserving people. Anonymous teen

Children are amazing creatures. Give them a chance, and they can teach you a world of difference. Proud mum of Nathan, 4 years old

January - February 2009

If you have something to shout about regarding anything under the sun, send us an email at kidz@epitome.com.my

Model: Superkidz Club member Felix Yap and Chin Yin Xi Model: Superkidz Club member Felix Yap and Chin Yin Xi