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.