Do serials dictate a dramatic life

Soap drama first started off in 1930s and it has successfully brought an impact into people’s life.

For instance, Korean drama “Man from another star” is now hitting some of the Asia country such as    China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Fans of the drama are crazily addicted to it, until the extend some of them even bought the car which was driven by the actor.

However, does soap drama affects their life?
How can a soap drama make such an impact?

First, we look at the typical way to arrange the storyline of a soap opera.

 According to Dr Merris Griffiths, expert in media literacy, the storyline is usually based on problem within personal or family relationship.

Audience can easily identify the feeling and opinion of the character.

Through identification, audience will slowly recognize the incident which is similar to his or her own life.

 It helps the audience in finding their own identity and at the same time they gain pleasure from doing so.

Zhi Qian, audience of the Korea drama said that she learn to be more confident and positive after watching that drama.

Script which constantly refers back to past event is also another reason why soap operas are so famous nowadays.

The drama arranges in a way where the same characters are seemed every day and it offers an easy undemanding entertainment to the audience.

The storyline move in a slowly flow so that the audience can easily catch up with it even though they have missed out few episodes.

The “cliff hanger” is also another main reason.

Dramas design in a way where each episode ends at a critical point of the story.

It creates curiosity and makes the audience want to know what is going to happen next.

For example, when comes to ending, what is going to happen to the main actor in “man from another star” had become a hot topic.

Everyone is thinking different type of ending, some of them even did a video about it.

When we are stressing up, there is always a place we escape to.

Watching soap drama is also escapism.

Escapism is an element which contributes a lot to soap operas.

Research which done by Ien Ang, professor of cultural studies, shows that escapism and relaxation give pleasing effect to the audience.

It helps them to release their tension and escape from the pressure of everyday life when they are in the world of soap opera.

They can just focus on the content of the drama and forget about the stressful stuff for awhile.

For example, the sweet scenes which occur in the Korea drama make the audience feel good.

“It feel so nice when the bad guy was finally caught by the main actor”, said Phei Wen.

Imaginary participation in the fictional world also provides pleasure to the audience and make the audience so addicted to the drama.

Audience involve themselves in and out of the drama and experience the storyline as genuine.

For example, one of the audience Sin Lu said that imagining she is the main actress and dating such a wonderful man makes her feel good.

In conclusion, not only good casting and good looking actors are important to a drama but also the psychological effect which the audience obtains from the drama.

In the other hand, there is always two sides of the stories. It depends on how the audience reacts to the addiction.

We can always choose to follow the trend blindly or learn something new from it.

Kuala Lumpur, a Caffeinated City

By: Vanessa

Image by Sharon Loh: 

http://www.spicysharon.com/2013/05/artisan-roast-coffee-

ttdi.html#.UxfLYX8s1w1

Having a cup of Joe in a small café tucked away in a corner of the busy streets is no longer unusual in a sprawling city such as Kuala Lumpur; coffee appreciation has become a growing trend hence, the rise of café culture.

According to research by the University of Illinois, with the right amount of background noise, a person is able to churn out creativity more easily and this is why urbanites today take their work to a nearby cafe.

“I find myself in an absolute relaxed state of mind. The coffee aroma, crowd chatter, the sound of the people bustling in and out of the shop, it all just keeps my mind active and I am more able to complete my work over here,” answered Ryan, 22, who visits cafés on a weekly basis.

Researchers stated that some background noise increases a person’s concentration, allowing them to think outside the box.

Therefore, visiting a café today does not only hold its conventional purpose of having a cup of coffee over a good chat anymore.

So, what’s buzzing in the café scene in Kuala Lumpur and why the big hype over quaint coffee shops now mushrooming in every corner of not only the city, but suburbs as well?

Image by Miranda Yeoh: 

http://gumballmag.com/culture/rekindle/

It has no longer become a mere morning wake-up call for most people, but it is a profession for some and a passion for others.

This international influence has been caught up quickly by the locals hence, spreading this trend like wildfire, especially among Generation Y.

Yi Ling, a law student commented, “I like its cozy ambience and the humble feel of a simple, homely environment where I can just unwind over a cup of cappuccino after a long day at college.”

These people truly enjoy being at a café; the quiet ambience, strong smell of coffee and the serenity it provides.

“Aside from the best hot chocolate, Artisan Roast gives off this old-fashioned vibe which I love about cafés today,” said Ry-Ann, a student.

“The music here at The Good Batch has a different indie music playlist which is awesome!” said Sam, who works at a digital media advertising company.

Also, Pickle and Fig serves simple sandwiches and healthy, flavorsome smoothies; honest food.

A student from IMU, Li Shen answered, “I like how they (P&F) make healthy food taste good and the café’s spiffy setting.”

Image by Shannon Chow:

 http://shannonchow.com/the-first-coffea-coffee-in-kl/

As for coffee connoisseurs who truly appreciate the art of coffee making, they go café-hopping to look for the best cup of coffee out there; most importantly, cafés with baristas who have won previous years’ barista championship competitions.

Gary, a soon-to-be pharmacist commented on Coffea Coffee, “This café is not just popular by word of mouth but it really deserves its recognition for their quality coffee. It isn’t like the boring, conventional Starbucks or Coffee Bean.”

Aside from the customers’ point of view, baristas have a strong influential role on cafés today as well.

They are the ones responsible for administering the entirety of their cafés; from carefully crafting their menus to ensuring good quality of both their food, drinks and most essentially, their coffee.

In addition, the design of a café’s interior is also of high importance as it reflects the personality of a café, its individualistic character.

All of these factors must be thoroughly contemplated especially in today’s competitive, growing industry of cafés to differentiate themselves from the rest.

Research: How the Hum of a Coffee Shop Can Boost Creativity http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/how-the-hum-of-a-coffee-shop-can-boost-creativity/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

The plastic rush

By: Paul

            Towards the age of technological marvels, medical advancements have been one of the major pioneers in introducing change to the ways we live and aspire to live.

Being the perfection seeking beings that humans instinctively are, cosmetic surgeries are becoming a common practice as procedures are getting safer and better.

However being a ‘trend’ that is just beginning to introduce itself to the population, people are still unsure of the need for cosmetic surgeries as it is is deemed as a ‘complete waste of money’ by the more conservative people while the young see it as a means of improving oneself.

This highly volatile trend has generated 14.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States alone, according to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The British Association of Aethetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) has also recorded a drastic increment in plastic surgery procedures done with popular procedures such as face lifts, breast implants, and nose augmentations increasing by a minimum of 10 percent compared to previous years.

The top 10 procedures includes:

1.      Breast Augmentations

2.      Eyelid Surgery

3.      Face and neck lifts

4.      Breast Reductions

5.      Nose Augmentations

6.      Liposuction

7.      Tummy Tucks

8.      Fat transfer operation

9.      Eye brow lift

10.  Ear corrections

Cosmetic surgery, both minimally-invasive and surgical has been thought as religiously and morally wrong by the more conservative such as Chin, a young working adult who said “Natural is beauty. I do not see the need to change any part of your body as it is given by god. The way I see it, only people with no confidence in themselves do it but well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”

Ravin Raj, 23, a college student thinks that plastic surgery’s outspread is inevitable as people seek perfection. He also stated that facial augmentations are acceptable but not on other body parts such as breast implants, liposuction and such.

In support of cosmetic surgeries, Low, 21, a pharmaceutical student said that plastic surgery exists in many different forms. He also emphasized that “Even having going to your dentists or having hair transplants counts. Does it not? If it helps in giving people a better look and confidence, it naturally equates to better overall health.”

Toh Ben, 37, a middle aged parent said, “Imagine one day, you are trapped in a fire and you suffered severe burns which rendered your outlook absolutely horrible. Think about it. There, question answered.” He also added , “infections, however are always a risk that comes with plastic surgery.”

Through the viewpoint of the cosmetic surgery clients, Jon, who augmented his chins and had pectoral implants, stated that I am paying for it myself and it does make me look better. Whats there to lose

Brendan, 25, a former law student also said, “If it makes it easier for you to love yourself. Then all the more reason to go for it. You shouldn’t care about what others think too much.”

With all the thoughts and talks on cosmetic surgery, no one can determine whether it is right or wrong as the motive behind every individual varies. However we can be sure that with the incredible speed medical science is advancing, people are generally able to manage and handle their wellbeing and health.

Dress code: Forced conformity?

By: Tarra

Figure 1: SEGi poster on dress code

KOTA DAMANSARA: A majority of SEGi University students are silently rebelling against the recently implemented and enforced dress code, claiming it to be a restriction. The administration of the university put up notices early 2013, stating that it will be enforced from the 1st of February, due to the change from University College to University status. This limitation includes shorts, slippers, torn jeans, plunging necklines, brightly dyed hair and hairstyles that are not of the norm.

When walking the corridors of the university, it is blatantly obvious from their outfits, that the students either pay no attention to the new guide lines or are deliberately going against them.

Figure 2: Bulletin on dress code implementation

 and guidelines

As members of SEGi management were unavailable for comment, Melvin Tan provided some insight into this new regulation. Melvin, President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of that time, was present in the panel that tabled this policy and states that the idea came from SRC. “It was deemed necessary to implement the dress code as it was crucial for both the student and the image of the university. The main objective of introducing students to dress codes was to prepare them for their upcoming future careers where dress codes and appearance decency are considered important. As for image, SEGi is a higher educational institution which is a brand, something which a student represents and portrays when they are out of campus grounds.”

During a forum in 2012, the topic ‘The Necessity of Dress Code for SEGi Students’ came up. The chairperson, Mr. Wong Chee Kong, Head of the School of Information Technology of SEGi, said that “in a respectable university, there is indeed a need for a dress code for it to be able to maintain a decent and professional image and an atmosphere conducive for learning.”

Figure 3: Continuation of bulletin on dress code 

implementation and guidelines

As this implementation primarily affects the students, Hashtag interviewed some of them to get their views on this recent policy.

Vinothini, a major of Psychology, thinks that the dress code is of no consequence as students are still wearing slippers and shorts on campus.

Nikhil, 20, states that, “We’re here to learn, not to mix and match outfits in an effort to stand out”. He emphasizes that as the education is the priority, trivial subjects such as dress code should be of no concern.

Aleana, 19, supports the policy as she has heard complaints from many of her male friends saying that some of the girls in SEGi dress in a way that is very distracting.

However her friend Nur countered with, “But this (policy) is only a response to what they mentally perceive to be distracting. Shouldn’t this perception and changing it be the focus of the administration?”

Figure 4: Dress code Campaign and Feedback 

session (17 & 23 January 2013)

Joshua, 23, recently graduated and now working with one of the faculties, states that it infringes on the students individuality and freedom of expression.

“The SEGi dress code is unnecessary as students should have the freedom to choose whatever they wish to wear as long as it is not inappropriate”, says the previous vice president of House of Fayette (the UIU student council), Bryan Chin. He adds that students also function better when comfortable.

Tanuj, from the Mass Communications faculty, thinks that the way SEGi split the dress code rules based on sex shows they expects students to abide by Malaysian gender roles. “This sort of segregation has no place in 2014, especially if we are to educate the youths in being open and acceptive of individuality”, he emphasizes.

Figure 5: Feedback board of dress code campaign 

and feedback session (17 & 23 January 2013)

“We joined SEGi partially because they told us we could dress as we please, as long as it is not glaringly inappropriate. This may seem shallow, but many of us don’t take lightly to people telling us what to wear. Now, just because they’ve obtained University status, this has to change? I don’t think this is right.” said Preeti. She also believes that it sends out the wrong message about how students should view those who express themselves via clothing.

Many students voiced discontent and echoed that they find that the policy works more for the institution and it seems to view students as merely a tool for image projection and marketing. This is especially worrisome to them when combined with the recent hike in tuition fees.

Figure 6: One student’s feedback during dress code campaign

and feedback session (17 & 23 January 2013)

Some students have been stopped and harassed by the security guards for not obeying the dress code’s guide lines. One female student, who would like to remain anonymous, found the incident to be almost traumatizing, as four of them were loudly speaking about her ‘exposed’ legs. They refused to let her enter school premises and she was forced to return home, change and be late for class. She maintains that her skirt ended only three inches above her knees.

Although some agree that the implementation is good and necessary, a majority of SEGians view it as demanded conformity.  Many echo the same view in different words – “I thought varsity was where you were supposed to discover yourself, not be forced to be what or who someone else thought you should be”.

Music - The ultimate mood fix

By: Sharane

Life is never easy, just like a roller-coaster there are ups and downs. 

Sometimes this can be overwhelming.

We all need a safe zone, that place where we go when we need comfort, motivation, or just some company.

For many of us, that safe zone is music.

To get further insight into how music affects people, we invited members of the public to share their experiences and the variety of ways music plays into their daily lives and mood.

“Certain songs make you ponder over what kind of person you want to be, type of role or purpose you have in this world, or what kind of an effect you have on others around you,” said Prithibha Krish, a 22-year-old college student reflecting on the self-analysing effects of music.

Speaking on her deep dependence on music, 26-year-old HR executive, Nivashini, had this to say, “You may have heard people say that they cannot live without music. However, when I say that it is impossible for me to live without music, I truly mean it!”

According to Niva, “Classical and instrumental music allows me to truly immerse myself in tradition and pulls me into the vibe and mood that the song is projecting allowing me to escape the pressures of daily life,” she said.  

“Music definitely impacts my mood. Some people allow their music to dictate their mood, like listening to sad songs and then becoming sadder because of it. While for others, their mood determines their music, choosing a happy song to suit their happy mood. As for me, personally my music follows my mood,” said Shona Wern, a 25-year-old PR Manager.

Commenting on the inherent ability of music to change moods, Sufia Aznan, a 24-year-old student said, ‘For me whenever I am stressed and rushing to complete an assignment on time, I always turn to ballads and love songs as it helps me relax and focus.”

“I’m addicted to music! No matter what, I always find ways to satisfy my craving. If I go too long without music I tend to get depressed,” said Hafizah Gafor, a 21-year-old student.

In line with her energetic lifestyle, Hafizah says she only listens to up-tempo RnB and dance music, “My music must suit my life. I’m happy-go-lucky and always on the go, so my music must be the same.”

Going against the grain however, George Kong, a 19-year-old Engineering student said, “For me personally, music has no effect on my mood. If I am happy, I’m happy and if I’m sad, I’m sad; music doesn’t have any impact on it.”

Seeking a historical perspective, we spoke to Kalai Rani, a 42-year-old music teacher. “Historically speaking, music has always been intrinsically connected to emotions. Many of my students have varying tastes in music but the one thing that remains the same is that music holds a deep emotional connection to them,” she said.

“Music psychology is a recognised and very much growing field of psychology. From what I know, every human being possesses a base need to connect to something and music is one simple outlet for connection that we have. That is why so many of us turn to music to satisfy ourselves in times of depression or frustration,” said Mark Kam a psychology lecturer speaking on why music plays such a big role in our emotions.

Summarising the feelings of the group Shona said, “Music is the soundtrack of your life, no matter if you are feeling depressed or ecstatic, music is what we all turn to.”

Through these opinions it is clear that while people have different taste in music, the one thing that they all have in common is that music plays a vital part in each and every one of their lives whether they are feeling happy or sad.

SEGi University disappears for a day

By: Michelle

PETALING JAYA: Waking up to a hazy day happens to be what residents of Kota Damansara are currently experiencing. The air pollutant index (API) reading on Tuesday morning hits up to 121 which is categorized as unhealthy. The students of Segi University, Kota Damansara are affected, especially those who are staying at the university hostel and Cova Suites (opposite Segi University).

Credits to http://apims.doe.gov.my/

Salinee Su Lynn, 22, who currently resides at Cova Suites, Kota Damansara said “The haze causes me to fall sick (sore throat) as well as down with some minor eye infection.”

“My skin condition worsens as well, it is full of pimples,” added the student of Segi University.

Although suffering from the weather, Mark is still trying to be positive about the whole thing.

View from Cova Suites

“I tried to stay at home most of the time as the weather affected my lungs and throat. I cannot ride my motorcycle due to the haze. I suffocated and died a few times,” he joked.

According to Aurelie Wong, 21, she had symptoms of food poisoning and suspect it is caused by the haze.

“I know I am supposed to wear the mask but they (Segi) did not distribute it this time like they did last year,” she added.

One student stated that the building of Segi University seems to have “disappeared” from far.

“It was so hazy that I could not spot my college from a distance. Usually I can see the building down the road when I am driving,” said Isaac, 21.

Despite the bad haze, many students are still going for classes and the weather seems not to bother them at all.

“The haze does not affect me since I am always in class. I basically get used to the haze,” claimed Fui Kean, a freshman from American Degree Program (ADP).

Cova Villa’s view from SEGi University

“It (the haze) did not affect me much but I find it difficult to see the roads clearly. The haze limits my vision,” commented Priya, 22.

Monitha, a student from ADP seems not to be bothered by the haze in any way.

“I still go for my classes like usual but I covered my mouth, that’s all,” she said.

Some find their own way to cope with the weather as they have classes to attend.

“I try to stay indoors and drink more water,” said Chek Ming, 21.

Arlena, 23, suggested “We should drink more water despite the water rationing. Also carry an eye drop if your eyes are irritated and of course to wear a mask if necessary.”

Shaped by media standards

By: Krystle

The media has been silently dictating on how a “normal” person should look like. With commercials targeting on what they deemed to be less acceptable in a person with the sole aim of making sales have triggered an insecurity debacle among society in accepting themselves.

Insecurity refers to the uncertainty or anxiety about oneself and lack of confidence.

Due to this on-going battle with insecurity discretely fought by the society, Hashtag has conducted some interviews to get an insight on how the media has impacted them mentally as well as what they do to overcome their feelings of self-doubt.  

Among the 20 interviews conducted, 20 have admitted to experiencing insecurities while being exposed to the media.

Justwin, 22, a student who thinks that she is overweight, says “people always call me fat because my body size is nothing like the runway models or most celebrities, which in the end has led me to think no different. The media has portrayed a much distorted image of beauty and it’s depressing for people who were not born ‘beautiful’’.

As we approached a working adult, Andy, 40 who works as at Holiday Inn, says that while he watches movies like Batman or Mission Impossible, he constantly feels discouraged that he could not possess their luxurious cars and items. Instead, he has to survive daily with only RM20.

Moving on, we asked the interviewees how they combat their insecurities.

Nikki, 19, a student in Penang, who has been obsessed with Korean Pop music (K-POP) admitted that she would usually refuse to leave her home when a huge pimple appears on her face. She also complains on how small her eyes appear and the shape of her face. Consequently, about a year ago while travelling to Korea with her family, Nikki had decided to undergo cosmetic surgery to improve her outlook. “When I watch Korean dramas or read their magazines, I can’t help but to notice their flawless skin and amazing facial features. Yes I am aware that they undergo plastic surgery, but I just can’t help but to want to look like that too for it will really help with my confidence” she said.

While we asked working adult, Adeline, 25, an administrator at Motorolla on how she combats her insecurities, she answers that she would try to emulate influential people on billboards, the internet and other mediums of media by the way they dress or what they do to mask her insecurities hence appear more professional among her co-workers. She even buys products endorsed by celebrities in hopes that it will be more effective than products which are not endorsed. Adeline adds that “there must be something good about the product that has caused these celebrities to recommend them”.

All In all it seems that our interviewees felt much better if they looked like their favourite celebrities as they feel that they will achieve beauty by looking like them.

However, Women’s Health Online Magazine reveals that even celebrities have insecurities. Published on February 13th 2014, world famous singing diva, Madonna made a confession to Entertainment Tonight. “I have a love/hate relationship with my body,” she said. “Some days I’m happy with it and other days... I wasn’t born with Gisele Bundchen’s (world’s highest paid model) body, unfortunately, so you got to work for it—but it’s okay.”

“It was pretty shocking, considering that Madonna has always been known for her great physique despite her age” Women’s Health Online Magazine reports.

Moreover, a survey looking into body image conducted by BT Sport website reveals 80% of female athletes feel pressure to look a certain way.

Nonetheless, the high expectations from the media have not always been bad. Some claimed that it has turned them into much better people.

Sheikh, 24, a student from SEGi College Penang, who used to be overweight, expresses that “if it were not for the media’s portrayal on how a person is expected to look like, I would not have dropped seven shirt sizes (size XL to M). I feel great to actually look normal now”   

Arnish, 24, who works as a personal trainer says that watching television shows that constantly feature perfect physiques and facial features have triggered his insecurities so much that he had decided to start body building to attract people’s attention to his body instead of his face. However, he expressed that he would not have been a healthier person if it weren’t for media’s portrayal of beauty. “Not only do I feel healthier and good about me now, I often get compliments for my determination to body build and get hired for jobs more easily”, he said.

Adeline, 25, has learnt from celebrities on how to speak and act confidently. She expresses that the media has improved her vocabulary and taught her to speak more fluently.

As we went along to get an educationist’s point of view, Jeffrey, 57 from INTI Kuala Lumpur, stated that what the media portrays is uncontrollable. However, the perceptions of an individual can be changed and controlled. Therefore, it is best to surround oneself with friends and family who are supportive and loving of who they are. Subsequently, positive and encouraging words from them could do wonders to a person’s self-esteem thus, could even help them to start embracing their flaws and turn them into growth.

In conclusion, the media’s distorted portrayal of beauty can either break a person or create a whole better lifestyle. It just depends on how they let it affect them.

All eyes on the street

By: Muhammad Fazlie Nordin

Crime index in Malaysia

Crime today is a worrisome problem that must be tackled by all. Not a single day goes by without it, hence this a battle that we just cannot afford to lose. 

We have to keep in mind that peace and security is our civic duty. The police cannot be at every corner and nook all the time. We must be there to assist them, so always be the eyes and ears of the men in blue.

 You never know what is around the corner.

"The other day one of our neighbors, a woman, got out of her car to patronized one of our local businesses. She was not 10 minutes from the time she entered to the time she came out, when she noticed someone thrown a brick through her car window and stolen her wallet that was under her car seat. I was stunned and it was definitely a blood-curdling experience I have ever experienced in my life." Hafizah, Tropicana Indah resort homes resident. She also mentioned that the crime was committed in broad daylight near the housing area.

For some, these crimes are seen as a typical thing in daily life. They tend to take it lightly because they have never confronted such incident before. 

"It comes to my surprise when people say, "Let the police take care of the crime, it is their job not ours.,” she mentioned briefly.

Sign at Jalan Tun Ismail; Beware of snatch thief.

Another such incident left a backpacker, a Swedish girl, Anneli, angry and annoyed as she was assault and snatched in the KL city center near Pavillion on 3rd March. “The mode of this assault was to pull on a bag and when I turned round I was threaten violently and robbed. This is a ‘assault-first-rob-later’ mode of attack.,” described Anneli.

Tranquility cannot be accomplished without unity, without a team effort.

"In the 70s, the impetus of setting up a neighborhood watch started when people got fed up with the crime rates in the area." Tan Wah, a resident of Taman Shamelin Cheras explained.

"Back then, people will get together every sunday at Pondok Rakyat to discuss regarding the vexation we're facing. However, my people (referring to his neighbors) dislike focusing on the negative side alone, we also discussed regarding any forthcoming gotong-royong events. Just to balance out the lows." he continued.

Neighborhood Watch committee in Cheras

Based on the survey done by Community Transformation Centre, it is concluded that majority people agree that the role of neighborhood watch is beyond ensuring security in neighborhoods. In other words, it is not only to empower neighborhood watch communities to foster unity and become agents of change but also to shape its direction in transforming towards peaceful and better Malaysia.

 One of the Members Of Malaysian Crime Prevention Association (MCPA), Dharshviny, urged all committee members in all areas to implement relevant programmes according to the needs of the community.

 "This will make the lawbreakers to think twice before committing any crimes. Safety begins with us and I believe people can help prevent crime when they look out for each other." she adjured.

Towards a safer Malaysia

B.S Lee; we need more people to join CP

"Every individual plays a vital role in order to prevent crimes. By being aware such incident can happen to your family is enough to encourage you to work hand in hand to fight crimes." expressed Lee, a community-policing district committee. 

He also emphasis that many people are prefer to ignore the crimes rather than helping the victims. "Most of them think it is better to close one's eyes rather than calling the police, simply because it is not their duty. Either way it is still dangerous for the people" he added. 

Individual who are interested to join community-policing committee can refer the official website of community-policing, http://www.cops.org.my/cpdc.php.

Besides becoming a member of the community, Malaysian also can retrieve information regarding crimes such as wanted person lists, nearest police station telephone number, cops TV, 'balik kampung' form on the website.

For the social media lovers, Malaysia Crime Awareness Campaign facebook page provides an adequate and insightful updates regarding crime in Malaysia.
Who knows one day you could save a person's life.

The suicide mission

By: Pritibha

Recently, there was an issue on a Facebook (FB) page named The Comedy Machas and Machis (CMM) about a suicide.

This page is profoundly known for highlights of ‘gangsters’ found in FB of Malaysian Indian ethnicity as well as highlighting issues of misbehaviour of social networkers in and out of social networking websites.

This suicide case involved a young adult who sent death threats to his ex-girlfriend after she had ended the relationship.

The girl apparently ended their relationship because he did not have stable career and their family objected to the relationship.

Photos of him strangling himself and putting a knife at his neck were sent to his ex-girlfriend as a threat; wanting her to get back with him.

Upon sending those death threats, the young adult ended his life by committing suicide.

In that spare moment of heartbreak and overwhelmed emotions, the young adult allowed himself to walk into a wrong decision where he could have managed it with help.

Many cases of suicide are not brought to light due to confidentiality as committing suicide has remained as an act of shame according to society.

Some families and associates of suicide victims feel it is an embarrassment that tarnishes pride and dignity.

“The family members of the deceased refused to publish the obituary in the newspapers”, said Vimal Arumugam, 24, who lost his cousin to suicide.

A small survey was conducted among young adults about suicide and its ambiguous reasons behind it.

Individuals commit suicide mainly due to stress, lack of supportive relationship and left with no option was what Sharene Silva, 22, had to say from her point of view of why individuals chose this act of taking their own lives.

 A suicide attempt is an offence according to Malaysia law under Section 309 of the Penal Code. The penalties are harsh but yet some individuals still opt to this offence.

Mostly, individuals that attempt suicide feel that committing suicide is the only way of solving their problem and to end their sufferings that is being faced.

Sometimes, the battle of a person is going through internally is very extreme - suicide is opt to as a form of relief. 

Depression can lead to hasty decisions, was what Jaana, 25, felt is behind someone who is suicidal.

Logen, a 24 year old medical student feels that a lack of will power and loss of hope can trigger a person to have suicidal thoughts.

“I wish I had done something to help her, and she would be still here now”, are the words that Kanagaasingam said. Kanagaasingam lost his eldest sister who took her own life two years ago.

“Till today, I feel guilty that I have made her felt that she couldn’t turn to me when she had a problem with her marriage, leaving her to end her life”, said Verasingam Krishnasamy, 57, a father whom expressed his devastation about his daughter’s lost.

Suicide does not only affect the victim but also the family and friends of the victim.

Individuals tend to forget about the people around them and that there is help available when they need.  

Instead, individuals take things into their own hands which end in suicide.

In the other hand, some individuals feel it is not wrong to end their sufferings by suicide .

Katherine Emmanuel, 27, survived a suicide attempt two years back. “I just wanted a way out, because I suffered in silence and did not see committing suicide as a wrong decision”, said Katherine who suffered domestic violence from her husband.

“Everyone has the right and responsibility over their lives, and therefore I feel it is not totally wrong to commit suicide as I feel if you own the right the live, you also own the right to take your own live for a proper reason”, said Kavilan Gukacumaran, 22, whom attempted suicide once.

“Suicidal behaviours are a response to feeling negative emotions and suicide attempts typically reflect a belief that others will be better off following the suicide”, said Shankar Thiruchelvan, a counselling psychologist in practice.

“Self-harming or suicidal behaviour is common among patients of Borderline Personality Disorder, an emotionally unstable personality disorder where the affected are most likely to have suicidal behaviour and thoughts”, said Shankar.

A question that had been asked in the survey is “If you happen to know someone who is capable of committing suicide, what will you do?”

Nikesh Nair, 20, said “I would personally sit with him or her and make sure they speak their problems and do my very best to help them settle their problem and take out the idea of committing suicide from their mind.”

According to Priya Dashini, “Finding out what is the issue that they are dealing with and getting the right help for them to deal with it effectively”, is her way of managing someone who is capable of suicide.

Therapies, counselling sessions, moral support from family and friends are crucial in helping eradicate suicides in society.

Likewise, there are NGO’s such as Befrienders that provide services such as counselling and ‘befriending’, where individuals can seek help when they need someone to hear them out.

Befrienders have not only provided service through the phone but have also provided face-to-face sessions where individuals can walk in for counselling.

Nevertheless, society should start looking at the big picture instead of demeaning the person for being weak.

Not only physical health, but the well-being of mental health should be given importance as well.

Although the thought of committing suicide should never be an option, it remains subjective as every individual have different perspectives and ways of handling their own despairs.

Miss Segi - When beauty meets intelligence

By: Bella

The spectacular award winning event at Segi University is back. The crowning of the Segi beauty is finally here. 10 girls are to take part in the competition that is set to capture the eye of most Segi students and people from around the college in which the participants display their traditional attire, talents, their beautiful evening gowns as well as perform a unity dance, where by the winner is bound to go home with the sparkling crown and RM 2000.

With each year, the crowned winner participates in charity events like donations to orphans; events organised by the student’s society like trips and most importantly be an open door for students facing challenges in the University.

The President of the Segi International Student Society Paramartha said, "This year, the event will be mind blowing with numerous performances from students within and out of the college, the winner of Segi Idol 2014, local artists like Jay one a prominent artist and producer in Malaysia among others, a variety of delicious western meals to be served, a conducive environment as well as gift hampers from Sun silk company and other beauty stores. In addition the event will be graced with the presence of VIP's like the Dato' Prof. Jamaludin Mohaiadin, Major Dolly Kwa among others. Unfortunately this year, all contestants are from Segi main campus unlike last year’s Miss Segi with participants from Segi Subang Jaya and Segi Kuala Lumpur."

Going back on last year's Miss Segi, the event was breath taking with a number of surprise performances from students, group performance from the winners of the Segi Exhibit, Khalid a Segi student that took over Segi comedy by storm with his rib cracking jokes and mind blowing belly dancers from the Middle East belly dance academy (the very first belly dance school in Malaysia). At the end of the evening Miss Victoria Imanova, a beauty from Kazakhstan was crowned Miss Segi 2013.

Flyers about the event are already being posted around the college which is creating excitement among the students on campus about who to go with, what to wear and others, if they should go at all.

Farah, 23 said "Am looking forward to Miss Segi. Am super excited because my sister is in the competition and I really hope she wins. My family and I are attending the event to show our support."

Ken, 24 a third year student said, "Am not intrigued but it does not hurt to say am looking forward to the night of the event as it's one of the few interesting activities that take place at the university once in a while so why miss it."

Shamal, 23 a final year student however seems to disagree about the fairness of the results where he thinks that it's more to nepotism where by the winner is chosen before the actual event. It's frustrating and I don't think am going to attend this year as it is a waste of time. Some more the ticket pricing is so unfair to the students as it's high and unaffordable."

This year's ticket pricing is Gold at Rm15 for free sitting and Platinum at RM 50 per seat which comes with a private table, western dinner and sparkling fruit drink.