Scribbles for Digital Nomad Life - GhostwriterMalaysia

 Pada 18 November yang lalu, saya menjadi sukarelawan di bawah sebuah organisasi bernama Bila Bila Odyssey, yang menganjurkan satu program di SK Bukit Bangkong (A), sebuah sekolah Orang Asli berhampiran Sungai Pelek, dalam kawasan komuniti Mah Meri. Sekolah tersebut mempunyai kurang daripada 120 orang murid dari Tahun 1 hingga Tahun 6. Program yang dijalankan berfokus kepada STEM, dan murid-murid dibahagikan kepada enam kelas. Saya ditugaskan untuk mengajar mereka cara membuat plastisin sebagai salah satu aktiviti pembelajaran. Setiap sesi dijalankan selama lebih kurang 15 minit. Saya sendiri sebenarnya turut belajar bersama kanak-kanak ini. Secara ringkas, cara membuat plastisin bermula dengan mencampurkan 10 sudu tepung dan 1 sudu garam, kemudian digaul rata. Dalam bekas lain, air dicampurkan dengan pewarna makanan dan untuk kelas ini kami menggunakan warna merah dan biru. . Air berwarna itu dituangkan sedikit demi sedikit ke dalam campuran tepung tadi, lalu diuli sehingga adunan...

What makes people connect with a brand? When marketing focused too much on products, it lost its sense of genuineness. The ability to respond to people’s values creates empathy. Marketing that listens, understands, and responds transcends big budgets and truly touches customers’ emotions. Marketing isn’t just about selling anymore. Product pitch is boring. Ask what customers and communities are really struggling with. That sparks real conversation. It is no longer broadcasting but listening, creating honest engagement and long-term relationships. That’s what being authentic is all about. Customers want businesses and services that not only focus on profit but also care about people. Social purposes are now trending alongside increasing environmental sustainability, that makes businesses more relatable and making real human connections. This is where marketing and customer experience intersect. Customers today have a greater tendency to support businesses that stand for something real, ...

 I recently went to Breakout at NU Sentral and played “The War for Rembrandt” with two friends. The game is recommended for beginners and has a 65% success rate. From the start, we purposely chose an easier game because we wanted a higher chance of winning, especially since the tickets weren’t cheap. Even the staff suggested we pick a simpler room. Before the game began, we were given a short briefing on the dos and don'ts. Only one person was allowed to bring a phone into the room, as we needed to download their app beforehand for in-game hints and assistance. All our belongings were stored in a provided locker. The game lasted about 50 minutes. Our first impression upon entering the first room was “wow”. It really felt like stepping into a different world. It was definitely a mental challenge. We asked for hints twice, yet still we didn’t make it through the final room in time. We really enjoyed it although we failed. Haha! Breakout is a themed real-life escape room venue located...

 Voiceover is the art of giving voice to a project without appearing on screen. It plays a vital role in various media such as commercials, documentaries, animations, video games, audiobooks, and e-learning content. A good voiceover brings content to life. It communicates messages clearly, sets the right tone, and emotionally engages the audience. In voiceover work, how something is said can be just as important as what is being said. For a smooth voiceover process, it is helpful if the client shares the purpose of the video and who it is for, meaning the target audience. Let the scriptwriter know the key message, preferred tone, and overall vibe you’re going for, e.g. formal or informal, upbeat or emotional. If there are any must-use phrases, taglines, or a specific duration, those are great to mention upfront too. Voiceover script examples ~20 seconds VO for kids supplement commercial. Give your child the boost they need! ActyvChamp helps support their growth, energy, and immunit...

Minggu lepas, I finally decided untuk renew MyKad kat JPN Petaling Jaya. IC lama I sebenarnya cip masih berfungsi, boleh scan dan guna macam biasa. Tapi fizikal kad tu bahagian tepi dah terkopek-kopek sampai I terpaksa tampal dengan salotep. Kad tu jadi macam tu sebab dulu I guna as Touch ‘n Go. Lepas 2–3 tahun guna hari-hari, especially masa travel naik public transport, makin lama makin lunyai. So, I stop guna sebagai TnG and just simpan elok-elok… memang nampak sangat wear and tear IC tu. Cumanya, setiap kali urusan rasmi macam di bank, bila diminta IC, reaksi pegawai selalunya terkejut tengok rupa IC tu. Setiap kali I akan explain, seganlah juga. Jadi, selepas bertahun-tahun (kali terakhir renew pada tahun 2011), akhirnya I pergi JPN PJ.  Sampai sana around 2pm. Parking memang ada, tak payah risau. I terus masuk, ambil nombor giliran. Masa tu pukul 2.09pm. Tunggu tak lama, dalam 2.43pm I dah kena panggil. Proses dia cepat je, ambil gambar baru and check butiran semua. I hanya d...

 When we hear the word burnout, most of us picture someone in a corporate job, stuck in traffic every morning, glued to a screen all day, drowning in emails, meetings and work desk from 9 to 5. Sounds familiar, right? But here’s the thing. Burnout doesn’t care whether you’re in a fancy office or out in the field. In fact, people who don’t work in traditional office settings often face a different kind of pressure such as physical strain, unpredictable hours, emotional labour, or unstable income, and that can burn you out just as fast, if not faster. So let’s talk about other fields of work burnout, the kind that hits NGO field workers, delivery riders, retail staff, event crews, and freelancers. Because their stories relatable too. 1. NGO Field Officer  Lina has been working with a local humanitarian NGO for the past three years. Her role mainly involves community outreach in rural and underserved areas, Orang Asli villages, flood-affected zones, and low-income flats around Kl...

I’ve been drinking 3-in-1 coffee for years. And if there’s one brand I’ve stuck with the longest, it’s definitely OldTown White Coffee. I started with the Classic, then went on to try Hazelnut, Less Sugar, and eventually found my go-to: OldTown White Coffee Extra Rich or Kaw. Out of all the variations, Kaw is the one I keep coming back to. I love its bold, slightly bitter taste. Honestly, if they ever came out with a Kaw Less Sugar version, that would be perfect for me. Occasionally, I’ll try other brands like Bintang White Coffee or Ali Muthu & Ah Hock just for a change. But still go back to Kaw. And of course, I love how easy it is to prepare. Being a freelancer, I rely on a good cup of premix coffee to kickstart my day at home, usually just one sachet a day. Sometimes, I’ll switch it up with Bintang’s Instant Milk Tea too, especially when I’m craving teh tarik. Of course, it’s not the same as at mamak’s place, but it’s as close as it gets. For me, a good premix should have at le...

 Last Saturday, I did something I never thought I would. I’ve never been to any kind of audition before, but that day I went for a voiceover audition. I’ve always been curious about voiceover work. I’ve heard of it, understood the theory, but never really knew how it felt. This time, I guess my curiosity outweighed my fear of trying something new. I’m not even sure where the courage came from, but I just went for it. I decided to arrive early because I didn’t want to wait too long. First in, first out. That was the plan. The audition started at 10 a.m. and would go on until 6 p.m., but I was already there by 9:30 a.m. Even then, around 15 people were already waiting. While waiting, I chatted with another participant who was also a first-timer. That helped ease the nerves a little. When it was time to go in, I was surprised. We all entered the room together. I thought it would be a one-on-one session, where others wait outside. But nope, everyone could hear each other. That definite...

I was scrolling through my IG when one post caught my eye — a tree. Because the picture was so beautiful, I read the caption. It’s about a famous tree in NZ called the Wānaka Tree. So, I did some research, and here’s some interesting info. A willow tree grows at the edge of Lake Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand. It may just be a tree, but it gained popularity among tourists due to its photographic appeal, with a mountainous backdrop and its stunning reflection in the water. Its fame soared when photographer Dennis Radermacher won the New Zealand Geographic Photograph of the Year in 2014. It goes back to the 1930s when a farmer planted willow branches into the ground to make fence posts. It was meant to be just a fence post, part of a line to stop animals from wandering around the lake’s edge. But nature had other plans. That branch took root and grew into a tree. Against all odds, and unbelievably, it is now one of the most photographed sights in New Zealand tourism and has g...

Weekend lepas pergi glamping kat area Pedas/Rembau. Pergi pun tak letak expectation sangat, so kurang rasa kecewa dengan condition kat sana. First impression agak off sikit sebab khemah ada banyak tompok-tompok hitam. Bila tengok luar je dah macam hmm… Tapi bila masuk khemah, kami nervous jugak takut ada bau hapak ke apa. Fuhhh nasib baik wangi! That part really compensated a lot. Cuma kalau nak ambil aesthetic photo tu memang tak dapat la sangat sebab khemah tu honestly tak cantik. Dari segi facilities macam archery dengan ping pong—peralatan tak cukup, net ping pong pun rosak, kena adjust sendiri. Senang cerita, facilities memang tak maintain. Tapi bonfire dia best jugak walaupun... sekejap sangat. Macam, 10 minit je :) Baru nak feeling, api dah tinggal abu. Nak ambik gambar pun rushing hahaha. Lepas tu ada movie screening dekat open space. I think konsep dia menarik, tapi again, alas tikar yang disediakan nampak lusuh. I end up duduk kat buaian sambil tengok, tapi bertahan 20 minit ...

As we go through life and deal with all sorts of emotions, writing can be a really helpful way to pause and reflect. Putting things down on paper helps us make sense of how we’re feeling. That’s why in psychology, they always advise to engage in regular journaling or reflective writing, as it can help us process emotions, gain clarity, and develop a greater understanding of our thoughts and behaviours and invites individuals to explore their feelings without judgment. Journaling can serve as a personal outlet, allowing someone to vent about a tough day and process their emotions. Writing is more than just a way to express thoughts or share ideas. Whether it’s journaling, blogging, or even crafting a social media post, writing allows us to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. Writing is a great way to understand and manage on our feelings and share them, making it easier for us to express ourselves and connect with others. Blogging creates a sense of community, where wri...

  Bundle culture revolves around buying second-hand clothes and items from thrift stores, often referred to as bundle shops or bundle stores. Popular examples are 2nd STREET and JBR Bundle, both offering a wide variety of second-hand items. Many Malaysians, especially students and young adults, opt for bundle clothing because it offers fashionable items at a much lower price. These shops often offer a mix of vintage styles, which reflect classic or retro designs, and modern fashion that showcases trendy and contemporary looks. This diversity also allows shoppers to discover unique pieces that are not typically found in regular retail stores, adding a personal touch to their individual style. Exploring bundle stores offers a sense of adventure, much like treasure hunting. Finding a rare or perfectly fitting item on the racks can be incredibly satisfying and makes the whole shopping trip even more exciting. Bundle shops are more than just stores as they become community hubs where pe...

 I decided to try a Nagomi Art session just out of curiosity. Honestly, I’m not great with art, drawing, or even picking colours. But since I had some free time and the workshop was free, I thought, why not? After the class, I got curious and started digging into its history. Here's what I found: Norikatsu Hosoya, the founder of Nagomi Art, was inspired by a deeply personal experience involving a close friend who was seriously ill. During his friend's hospitalization, Hosoya created a pastel artwork of cherry blossoms to lift his friend’s spirits. He accompanied the gift with an invitation to see real cherry blossoms together once his friend recovered.  The gesture of hope and healing left a profound impact when they eventually fulfilled this promise. This episode opened Hosoya's eyes to the potential of art as a tool for emotional healing and a source of optimism, which later became a cornerstone of the philosophy behind Nagomi Art. 7 Facts about Nagomi Art 1. Origins: N...

 I recently attended a free Zumba class at the Decathlon PJ branch, which is part of their regular weekly activities that include Zumba, yoga, and more. These activities are often offered at a minimal fee, with occasional free classes for the community, perhaps once a month. The atmosphere was lively, with families playing ping pong and children riding small bikes within the venue, adding to the sense of community. This initiative by Decathlon is a fantastic example of how a business can give back to local residents while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. I haven’t seen other sports retailers in Malaysia adopt a similar approach. While Decathlon remains a business, they’ve successfully integrated CSR activities by fostering a sports culture through the free or affordable use of their facilities, like badminton, basketball, and futsal courts in selected branches, including those in Selangor, Johor Bahru, and Penang. Classes like Zumba, Pound, and Yoga/Pilates are also availa...