MASAT

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

MASAT Executive Committee 2016/2017

MASAT Executive Committee 2016/2017
from left: Boon Yuen, Vyn Gie, Siti Nurizzatee, Fatin Nazira, Nor Fatihah, Nuur Fahima, Viatrix, Phaik Syn, and Calvin.

If you are still oblivious to the fact that University of Toronto comprises of three campuses, well now you know! And yes, Malaysian students do exist in the other two campuses, despite small in number and are often shy away from the spotlight. (go easy on us, okay? hehe). One of them is situated in Mississauga, just west of downtown Toronto. Some call it Sauga, others nickname it as The Row, but we here like to call it Missi. So, this time we’re going to see what’s it like to be a student at University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)!

1. Small lectures are really a plus!

Most of the lecture halls in UTM hold approximately 300 students or less and we find it as a huge advantage! It makes it easier to come up to the prof and ask questions during breaks or after class. This is the chance to get to know the prof and hopefully they would acknowledge your existence!

2. We get easily spotted on campus.

All of us here have had at least one person randomly claimed that they “always see you around campus”, which is usually responded with an awkward laugh. Due to the small-sized campus, we tend to bump into the same faces every day. However, I guess being a hijabi and having a “sawo matang” Pan-Asian look make us distinctly recognizable amongst the sea of other races and colour in UTM. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what type of person you are. According to Nayli Farzana, it gives her a sense of belonging in the UTM community, where everyone knows each other. But for others… well, let’s just say that being easily recognized in public might not be at the top of the list!

3. Discovering home close to nature’s heart.

Oh, yes, serenity and peace greets you in this suburban neighborhood of The Credit Woodlands. Even the name sounds like something you would’ve taken out of a Winnie the Pooh story book. As an aesthetic nature-lover, Sakinah Kamal finds herself right at home here in Mississauga. Unwinding session means a trip to the closest park and having picnics with friends. Not to mention that UTM is literally surrounded by forest and seeing a deer roaming around campus is pretty normal.

The mystical-looking bridge behind UTM campus.

4. We got the best of both worlds (or cities).

Living in Mississauga does have its own share of downsides. Besides the usual trip to Square One, there is a lack of interesting things to do here. But fret not! UTM students are privileged with free bus rides to and fro downtown Toronto, where all the fun stuff happens! We get to experience the best of both cities!

The famous Marilyn Monroe building.

5. Everyone seems nicer here. :)

Maybe it’s because of the friendly homey vibe that this town has; we make friends with the locals everywhere we go! Being one of the most diverse cities in Canada, you get to meet folks from all walks of life. And if you ask politely enough, they would just love to share their journey of making Canada their home.

So there you go! A sneak peek on how it is here in Mississauga! Come pay us a visit sometimes or maybe consider taking up some classes here. You are more than welcomed!

All photos credit to Sakinah Kamal.

Malaysian Bazaar 2016!

Malaysian Bazaar 2016 was by far the most exhilarating yet entertaining one not only for the attendees but for all of us here in MASAT as well!

The event started off at 5p.m with anticipated attendees already lining up to get their food coupons and for their friends and family as well. Our registration team led by Thiiban welcomed all customers with smiles and welcoming gestures! While some waited in line, other attendees were having some fun at the colourful photobooth prepared with the theme of sawah padi or paddy field.

At around 5.40 pm and after all the attendees have settled in, the Master of Ceremony that evening, Syamil and Nadhirah welcomed Amier Faudzi, our Malaysian Bazaar 2016 Chair with his welcoming speech thanking everyone for coming to the event and some notes by our proud sponsors.

With a lot of awesome performances in line that evening, we started heating up the hall with the Indian cultural dance performed by Abbi, Aarthi, Jason, Jeeva, Dalila and Nelisa! The opening performance surely grabbed the audiences' attention.

The next performance by the amazing Christopher Tee was surely one of a kind! Geared with the diabolo , a chinese equivalent of yo-yo (but a more cool looking one!), Christopher wows the audience with his undeniable talent!

While enjoying the performances, the attendees also got their hands on as many foods and delicacies as they could!

The next performance was the Zapin dance traditionally performed by the Malay culture. The graceful performance was performed by Fathanah, Sabrina, Zubaidah, Fatin, Yung Xin!

The performances are then continued with compilation of classic songs by the band comprises of Amin (saxophonist and drummer) , Syamil Khairi (electric guitarist) , Syamil (Bassist), Alice (pianist), Izzatee (ukulele -ist) and E'zzati and Darren as the singers. Songs performed are Bunyi Gitar, Kampung Boy and Jelingan Manja.

The last performance (and definitely not the least!) was the Fashion Show! The Fashion Show showcased traditional clothings from all parts of Malaysia. Some of them are Cheong Sam, Baju Kebaya, Orang Ulu's tradtional clothing and many more.

The event ended shortly after the last performance at around 8.45pm with a photoshoot session of all the volunteers, performers and Malaysian Bazaar 2016 commitee!

We would like to say a massive thank you to all the attendees and volunteers who have devoted their time and efforts into making Malaysian Bazaar 2016 a reality. There were a lot of new challenges that we encountered this time around but we definitely pulled it off together as MASAT members!

Not to forget, a huge thank you to all of Malaysian Bazaar 2016 sponsors; Yeo's , MATRADE, Restoran Malaysia, and Malaysian Association of Canada.

Until next time!