Day 25: Health Centers

~Thursday July 18, 2013~

We visited the Malaria Research Center Facility of Medical and Health Sciences. It was very interesting because we just visited the vector center at USM in Penang. I didn't know the importance of research and publishing research/lab articles into prominent journals. Although working in research and laboratories looks fun, but there's a lot of dedication and writing a paper doesn't appeal to me. Hehe! 

  

We again also roamed around the city around back to the waterfront to enjoy some lunch and feast at our welcome dinner. The welcome dinner by the way has amazing foods. I love Ramadan buffets! Teh Tarik tea is the best!! 

Unfortunately, Dr. Kwa was unable to join us for the rest of our trip and I wish him well. Dr. Azizan will be heading this part of the program. 

Day 22: School Programs

~Monday July 15, 2013~

~School of Biological Sciences at USM~

Today was another presentation about the school and the programs they have. They talked about the 2 programs they have which is pure sciences and applied sciences. Their undergrad year is currently a 3 year program. USF is a 4 year undergrad program. Looking at their course list for the 3 year program looks so vigorous! Some majors they offer are zoology, botany, microbiology, agrobiology, aquabiology, biotechnology, environmental biology, biology and management of vector and parasites. 

~Vector Control Research Unit~

More than half a million live in urban areas. The slum population in Asia is 550 million and Africa is 187 million. Urban issues included poor air and water quality as well as infectious diseases. Pest issues include vector borne diseases, economic damages, mechanical vectors, pests of pets, and causing nuisances. 

We got to view their mosquito research room and look at some cockroaches. It gave me goosebumps; I don't like bugs, but I enjoy looking at these rooms.

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~Dinner at Khaleel~
Roti canai is yummy! :D

Day 19: Lectures

~Friday July 12, 2013~

~Institute for Molecular Medicine~

Pictures of their well established laboratories! 

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~Pesticide Action Network Asia and Pacific (PAN AP)~

They promote healthy farming and healthy communities. In this lecture they talk about the harmful effects of pesticides and their hope to reduce the use of pesticides in hopes that it will lead to elimination of the use of pesticides. They want to promote food sovereignty, biodiversity, based ecological agriculture, advance the rights of women in agriculture, and corporate accountability. 

However, I'm a little skeptical on their idea of elimination of pesticides. I do not see how food sovereignty, ecological agriculture will replace food production for the growing population and the demand of food. I just don't see it being successful to turn over a higher quantity of crops or yielding as much for the higher demand of food. Of course, green is the way to go and using resources that are beneficial and useful, but I don't know if it can replace pesticides. I know, I'm a skeptic, but who knows...one day! :D

Day 18: Lectures and Laboratories

~Thursday July 11, 2013~

~National Poison Center at USM~

Another early morning and it was difficult to stay awake. Ahem, a little info about them. They collaborate with WHO for drug information. Their mission is to reduce the mortality, morbidity, occurrence, and cost of poison. They focus on 4 main areas: chemical safety, rational use of drugs, tobacco control, informatics for consumer health. They also have a 24 hour toll free hotline available for Malaysian for poison control and/or concerns.

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~Doping Control Center at USM~

DCC was founded on the commitment of the country to initiate comprehensive athletics doping control at both national and international sporting events. 

They test 2 type of samples: urine and blood with multiple screenings

In sports testing 

during competition: 11 types of screening

out of competition: 5 types of screening  

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Lunch break hot pot with rice chicken and egg at Tesco (Malaysian version of a US Wal Mart)

Day 17: Stop the Violence!

~Wednesday July 10, 2013~

~Women's Center for Change~

Their mission is to eliminate violence against women and promote gender equality. They began 28 years ago by volunteers. Their 3 branches are service, outreach, and advocacy. They talked a lot about the marriage of a Muslim women. It's very interesting that cases against husbands who abuse their wives doesn't have high conviction rate without evidence. It seems that domestic disputes and violence is seen as a family affair and not to be made public. A man is most likely not going to jail if he hurts his wife, but if a child is hurt then, yes, jail time is probable. They also said that Muslim women who want to divorce their husbands are lengthy and complicated.

WCC has a shelter too. It's at an unknown location so that the women and children who seek help are in no danger from their boyfriends or husbands. Also, WCC is pushing for a higher conviction rate for sexual crimes, especially against children. Currently, the conviction rate if 4%. This disgusts me.

I don't know if it's cultural norms or if men were raised to suppress women, but that's not right because nobody should be victimized in their own home and certainly not be their own family. No women should ever suffer abuse from her husband and no children should endure it either. It surprises me that they law enforcement here take it very lightly calling it a "family affair." So what does it take for it not to be considered a "family affair?" Death?

Please visit here.

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Jumping into a lighter subject. Lunch time at Gurney. I caved and got McDonalds. McDonalds is a popular spot to eat at. I got spicy BBQ McChicken. I believe the US doesn't serve this sandwich! :D

Day 16: Protection, Promotion, and Support of Breastfeeding

~Tuesday July 9, 2013~

~World Alliance for Breastfeeding (WABA)~

WABA started 22 years ago on Feb. 14, 1991. They're an international program for breastfeeding and urges women to breastfeed. Our group is comprised with 13 girls and 1 boy, but none of us are mothers. It was a very informative day about maternal and child health. There are many benefits of breastfeeding; one of the main reasons they urge breast feeding is prevention of future illnesses and even death. 

Some advantages include: fight infection, easy to digest, better brain development, security for both mother and baby. Also breast milk composition differs for each newborn. A component of breast milk  is colostrum which is a protective fluid. WABA prefers that mothers breast feed their babies right after birth. They mentioned an interesting fact about bottle fed babies; they said that because of the position the baby is in when being bottle fed, those babies have a higher chance to develop ear infections. 

More info about WABA.

~Penang Adventist Hospital~

We also went to the Adventist Hospital. They're a health promoting hospital. They have many programs within the hospitals to keep the patients and community involved, but also focus on maintaining a health lifestyle even after their visit. It's open to all, not just hospital patients. 

There was also a lecture on becoming a baby friendly hospital. They also believe in the benefits of breast feeding. They mentioned that the breast feeding rates among Chinese women are low due to a Chinese tradition where after the woman gives birth she's in her confinement period; in which she's treated as the queen and is to be confined so she can regain her health. But many specialist urge breast feeding, so she should not be separated from her baby. 

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I have never thought about this because I'm only 20 and I didn't realize the importance of breast feeding so it did shed some light to when I become a mother...which is somewhere in the future one day I hope. 

Yes, today was all about breast feeding. For the class, a presentation is required on any topic. I have chosen breast feeding as my topic and I paid close attention to the lectures and grabbed a lot of brochures and pamphlets. 

Day 12: Lectures

~Friday July 5, 2013~

I didn't really take notes on the first lecture entitled CSR: The sustainability Context by Ellisha Nasruddin. I did listen attentively to her, but then I was confused towards the end of lecture because I left to go to the bathroom. Anyway, she talked about sustainability and business. CSR means corporate social responsibility. Do you believe corporations are the blame of negative social and environmental impacts or the solution? 

Lunch break! I really enjoy teh tarik tea...it's soooo good! In many of my food pictures you can see this drink is included. Everyone must try it!! One of the things I look forward to and it keeps me awake.

We also visited the Penang Medical College. They talked to us about their students and the programs that the students participate in like health surveys in rural villages, performing basic health check ups in remote areas. They want their medical students to not only learn to become doctors, but be able to communicate to their patients. We also learned about Dr. Wu Lien Teh who is a Malay born doctor, but is quite famous in China; he is relatively unknown in Penang (his birthplace). He was the first Chinese descent student to study at Cambridge University. While the pneumonic plague was ravaging China he was the one who suggested to to cremate the victims, in which the plague was suppressed.

Again, sorry for vague information. It's been a long day of roaming around Penang since weekends are free and it's really late right now...me super tired!

Day 11: Lectures

~Thursday July 4, 2013~

Happy belated 4th of July 'Murrica! While the US were shooting fireworks I was over hear attending lectures. 

~Water Watch Penang~

Dr. Ngai Weng Chan spoke to us about water in Penang. This group was formed in 1997 and it's a non-government organization used to promote sustainable water development and resources. He says Penang is a poor water state of Malaysia. He says water here is very cheap, but there is a mismanagement of water. Luckily, Penang loses only 18.4% of water distribution so that saves a lot of money. Dr. Chan was telling us how his water bill is never over RM$5 which is a little over US$1.00 ... What?! He also says that the average water bill in Penang is RM$10-20 ... that is less than US$10!!! 

Lunch break. This is roti telur (eggs) and cheese. It's like a flat bread cooked in whatever of your choosing and dipping sauce. 

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Dinner at a Arabic restaurant

I had Biryani chicken and a honeydew drink. The fruit juices here are sooooo good!

Day 10: Center for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS)

~Wednesday July 3, 2013~

~CEMACS~

The only lecture today and I was thankful since I wasn't feeling to good the day before. This was one of my favorite lectures so far. We took a little boat to the CEMACS which is part of USM.  They were an establishment of school of biological science field station in 1976 and established as a center of excellence in 1991 for marine studies, research, and post-graduate studies. There areas of research are: mariculture, marine pollution, marine science, coral reefs, and biodiversity. We had to take a boat over to the research center and it was a nice and breezy ride!

Here are some pictures of the campus and the beach. 

Some rules and regulations at the beach!

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A little more shopping and food eating afterwards at Komtar plaza...this place is muy expensive! 

Oh no! My boyfriend doesn't ♥ me anymore! ;) hehe!

Day 9

~Tuesday July 2, 2013~

~Family Health Development Association~

Another non-government organization; they have been around for 52 years and were once a family planning association dealing with contraceptives. Today, they are more focused on sexual health. They have programs for unwanted pregnancies and abortions as well as HIV/AIDs. It's quite interesting to see these outreach groups and programs in a poor and shabby building. In the U.S. the charity groups and volunteer programs usually have nice offices that aren't falling apart. This group of people have 20 regular staff and many outreach volunteers. One of the interesting stories of that day was hearing a transgendered woman talk. She was once a he and she is really pretty. She talked about her struggle of acceptance with her family. Unfortunately, her father never approved of her lifestyle. She is one of the many volunteers at the association. I noticed that a lot of the male volunteers were feminine. Do I have a problem with this? Of course not! :) 

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There was another lecture to visit, however, I became ill and was unable to hear the discussion about the Consumer Association of Penang. :( 

Day 8: Lectures

~Monday July 1, 2013~

First off, happy July! Not much pictures today. I still feel a little weird taking pictures of people I don't really know, especially when they're talking. I feel like I would cause a distraction if I whip out my camera while a person is talking. And it was obvious that everyone was tired from the beach trip yesterday.

We visited the program with women's development research center at USM, they call themselves Kanita. They work with single mothers in rural areas to develop their skills and potential as contributors to the household and to support themselves. We discussed a lot about the women's role in the household and her rights and the challenges she faces with raising a family, having a career, and her marriage. Their research consists of gender and social equality, health, policy and law, sustainable development, and leadership.

There was also a brief lecture with the program of basic education research unit. It was cut short due to the dean who was speaking had to leave for an important meeting. The Malaysian education system is quite odd. At the age of 15 the decision the student make about what career they're interested is some thing they are with stuck forever. In the USA, anyone can become a doctor or any career if they do the required courses and pass the exams or change your career in the middle of your life. In Malaysia it's not that way. If I made my career choice I would be in journalism most likely.

USM goodies!

We keep eating at Korean cafes. Two of my friends are K-everything fans. 

Day 4: Gandhiji Ashram

~Thursday June 27, 2013~

~Anwar Fazal~

Another early morning and no breakfast. Today we visited Gandhiji Ashram which is a civic hall in Georgetown, Penang. It also serves as a religious retreat and hosts estate workers who come to Penang for religious festivities. We were greeted by Anwar Fazal and he gave us a tour of the beautiful park behind it and gave a little lecture about his beliefs in health, peace, happiness, and doing good deeds. He's a wonderful man with a gentle and loving spirit. He reminds me of a real hippie!

Something that he said struck me..."health is not just medicine." And it's true! He's very positive and very uplifting. He reminded us to laugh, to smile, to breathe, and be positive. I became so fascinated by him. He closed his remarks with, "we are children of mother Earth and citizens of the universe."

Some pictures of our small hike/tour of the park behind the Gandhiji Ashram which Mr. Fazal guided us.

 

 We also had the pleasure to eat lunch with Anwar Fazal. It was so good!

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~Elizabeth Thomas~

There was also another guest speaker named Elizabeth Thomas. When I first heard she was going to talk about HIV/AIDs I wasn't so thrilled because this topic is something I hear about all the time. However, I pleasantly surprised because she talked about her cause and her outreach organization to help those infected with HIV/AIDs especially since sex is a taboo subject and sex education is not given to kids. I was amazed by her organization and her perseverance to shed light on this subject in Malaysia in a place dominated by religion.

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Across from Gandhiji Ashram was a plant and fabric shop. The fabric shop was beautiful. We viewed handmade fabric and hand drawn fabric. The colors were so bright and stunning!

Day 3: CGSS

~Wednesday June 26, 2013~

As this day ends and I'm writing in this blog I feel a little homesick. It's quiet and I'm listening to music from my iPod. I yearn for the people I love and the people I'm familiar with and to be in my own bed. It's only been a few days and I have many more days to go. I guess this is what it feels like when you decide to venture on your own for the first time. Nonetheless, I'm still having fun.

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Anyway, today we went to visit Center of Global Sustainable Studies (CGSS) at USM and we were given a lecture about their programs and the word sustainability which they simply put "Tomorrow is better than today." Professor Kanayathu C. Koshy defines sustainability as development that meets the needs of the present while safeguarding Earth's life supporting system on which the welfare of current and future generation depends on. To learn more click here.

It was a very interesting lecture. I learned a lot about Malaysia's public health challenges and what USM has been doing to solve problems that deals with waste and consumption. They have implemented many initiatives such as no plastic bag, no styrofoam, and other programs to help educate their community about using the environment in a resourceful way. I applaud them for their efforts!

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After our short lecture we were given the afternoon to do whatever we wanted. My friends and I decided to write postcards home, do laundry, and we also ate out along the streets right outside our dorms. I forgot to take a picture of my food, but I ate roti telur which is eggs cooked in flat bread and eaten with curry dipping sauce which cost RM$2.00 that is less than US$1.00!