Scribbles for Digital Nomad Life - GhostwriterMalaysia

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...

This is an example of how I write for an insurance blog—combining explanation with storytelling. Using relatable examples helps readers understand concepts more quickly. ********** Usage-based insurance is a revolutionary form of auto insurance that considers your unique driving style when calculating your premium. Rather than solely factoring in traditional factors like age and driving record, this method employs cutting-edge technology, such as devices or smartphone apps, to gather data on your actual driving behaviour.  By monitoring variables like distance travelled, speed, braking patterns, and time of day on the road, insurance companies are able to provide personalised premiums. Not only does this benefit drivers' wallets, but it also encourages the practice of responsible driving habits. Picture this scenario Meet Sarah, a digital nomad who's not your typical road motorist. Working remotely and living in the heart of the city, Sarah's car mostly enjoys the view from...

Baru-baru ini, saya telah dipanggil oleh kontraktor/vendor untuk menyertai bengkel NOSS (Standard Kemahiran Pekerjaan Kebangsaan). Ini merupakan tahun kedua saya dijemput sebagai proofreader.  Bengkel ini melibatkan ramai ahli panel yang berpengalaman serta pakar dalam bidang masing-masing. Mereka berbincang, menyusun dan menghasilkan dokumen-dokumen penting yang akan dijadikan rujukan utama dalam menetapkan piawaian kemahiran pekerjaan mengikut keperluan industri. Mereka telah melalui beberapa sesi untuk merangka dokumen tersebut, dan saya berpeluang menyertai di peringkat akhir proses ini. Rasa bangga jugalah kerana dapat menjadi sebahagian daripada kumpulan ini, walaupun sumbangan saya hanya kecil iaitu menyunting dokumen pada sesi akhir.  *********************************************************************** NOSS (National Occupational Skills Standard) ialah satu sistem standard kemahiran pekerjaan yang dibangunkan oleh Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK) Malaysia. NOSS m...

Since we are nearing Hari Merdeka and celebrating the month of Independence Day, there is much to appreciate—from the peace and prosperity of our sovereign country to its evolving economic, social, and cultural diversity. Since independence, Malaysia has made remarkable progress developing the healthcare system. During the pre-independence period, while urban areas had better access to healthcare facilities, these were still limited. Rural areas were more heavily impacted and had to rely on traditional medicines. The disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas were prevalent, with urban areas typically benefiting from better facilities and resources. This has resulted in unequal health outcomes and access to essential services. In the early years following independence, efforts were focused on addressing the healthcare needs of the population and expanding the healthcare infrastructure, which included the development of new hospitals and clinics in both urban and rur...

One of the highlights of my life was watching a meteor shower—an amazing and surreal experience. I never thought I could watch it with my bare eyes in Malaysia. Growing up, we always heard about meteor showers happening outside the country, so it felt unreal to actually see one here. I went to Port Dickson near the observatory tower, and although the nights were somewhat cloudy, I still managed to see a few meteors. What a night! So here are some fun facts about the Perseid meteor shower. ⧪Annual Spectacle: Every year, the Perseid meteor shower graces the night sky, typically peaking between August 11th and 13th. This yearly event is a favourite among stargazers. ⧪Comet Origins: You’re witnessing debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle when you watch the Perseids. As Earth passes through the comet’s debris trail, these tiny particles burn up in the atmosphere, creating a stunning meteor shower. ⧪Name Origins: The Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus because the meteors...