2004 - 2005
SMSA Family Day 2005
Date: 15th May, 2005 (9.00am to 3.00 pm)
Venue: Weston Park, Sheffield
This event, which took place on the 15th of May, 2005 at Weston Park, Sheffield was jointly organized by the SMSA Committee Members of 2004-05 and 2005-06 sessions. In a way, it was a learning experience for the new committee as well as a being a platform for the senior committee members to pass on learning points for organizing such events for SMSA members.
All SMSA members were invited to the event, but a special invitation was sent out to all final year students to request their attendance at the event to receive their sending-off present during the farewell ceremony. I am glad to say that many of them complied willingly and were very happy to join in with the activities we had in store for all members.
SMSA Family Day was a blast for all involved. Activities included a large treasure hunt, a mini-sports session for children, and just general fun activities like touch rugby, frisbee tossing, and a Treasure Hunt that involved throwing water balloons at each other. It was a welcome get-together for all involved, as everyone took a well needed break from books and the pressure of the pending final year examinations.
The turnout of around 80-90 students really underlined the success of the event. A few postgraduates and their families also turned up to enjoy the free food and beverages, as well as to use the opportunity to mingle with the undergraduate students. It must be said that activities such as this should be done more often, so as to facilitate and forge the forming of relationships between both the Undergraduates and the Postgraduates. The success of this activity has opened the doors of acceptance for the new SMSA Committee Members and although it was by no means a complete success, it will hopefully leave a positive attitude among the SMSA members in general that the new committee is willing to work hard for the best interest of all SMSA members.
Prepared by:
Zuhri Md Yusoff
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Forum: EARLY MARRIAGE: FOR BETTER OR WORSE
(KAHWIN AWAL: ANTARA SENGSARA ATAU BAHAGIA)
Date: Saturday, 26th Feb 2005
Venue: Lecture Theatre 4, Arts Tower
On the 26th of Feb 2005, the Religious Bureau of SMSA has organized a forum entitled “EARLY MARRIAGE: FOR BETTER OR WORSE” which took place at LT4, Arts Tower at the University of Sheffield.
In spite of being delayed by approximately 30 minutes, it has attracted students from a range of courses and year of studies. It started at 10.30 am, and was scheduled to end at 12.30 pm, but due to keenness and curiosity on the topic lots of questions and issues were raised and the session had been extended by an hour.
Chaired by Mr Mas Afzal Masarudin, an undergraduate student from the University of Sheffield and with three panellists, the forum is mainly aimed at undergraduate student who wishes to look into the reality of life after marriage during studying period, and to analyse from different perspectives the benefits and drawbacks that early marriage would bring into life so as to ease ones decision whether or not early marriage is possible.
The panellists come from diverse backgrounds in order to cover almost all issues related to student and marriage from legal aspect to religious point of view. The first speaker, Pn Marlina Amir Hamzah, a Syariah Lawyer based in Malaysia, had touched the issues concerning legal aspects and procedures. Followed by Mr Khalid Hasnan, a ‘living example’ of a student who got married while studying (to be exact, at the age of 19, during his A-level). The last panellist, Ust Hamdi Che Lah, an Islamic Graduate, has tackled this topic from the Islamic perspectives.
Alhamdulillah the forum was a success and all the speakers has managed to tackle the topic in a very well and interesting manner. The main point of the discussion is no matter at what age you get married (according to the age permitted by the law and religion), the essential part in marriage is to build an ‘Islamic family’ or baitul muslim. To build a baitul muslim, we must enrich and equip ourselves with knowledge and wisdom. And the part which we as muslim must not leave behind is the blessing of our parents. Do not make decision to ‘kahwin lari’ simply because we did not get permission from our parents.
Whether or not a marriage is a success, is not the age that matters. Each individual maturity comes at different age and age is not the dominant factor that is going to determine whether your marriage is going to work or not. It's more on your own efforts to make the marriage successful or a complete disaster. Lots of people, who get married but don't understand the purpose and concept of marriage, will find themselves facing countless problems at the end of the day, e.g breaking down to a divorce.
Both husband and wife who intend to get married must behave with ‘the teachings of Islam’ and manoeuvre their life into way that pleases Allah and does not go against the syariah. As long as the intention is for Allah, to shield themselves from satan and maksiah, and that both parties shoulder the responsibilities, inshaAllah the marriage would be one that blessed by God.
As a side point, those who have the capability and not facing any hurdles should not delay their intention to get married. Early marriage would protect yourselves, lowering your gaze, bring peace and joy into life, and the list goes on. For better or worse it’s up to you. Don’t ever forget to pray and make du’a to Allah, to ask for guidance and blessings.
Religious Bureau takes this opportunity to thank everyone for their efforts in making this event a successful. Last but not least, may all our deeds be accepted before Allah. Ameen
By,
Nabil Mohamed
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Nasheed Extravaganza 2005
Date: Sunday, 13th Feb 2005@12pm - 5pm
Venue: Owen's Building, Sheffield Hallam University
For the first time ever the Nasheed Extravaganza 2005 (NEXT05) was organized by the Sheffield Malaysian Students Association (SMSA). It was after several months of preparations and hardships, despite the endless effort and commitment of the committee members that the event was finally a great success. This event was the first fund-raising nasheed competition being organized in the UK for students to participate and compete among themselves, by performing the best of nasheeds, apart from delivering good humanitarian message.
The event which was held on 13 February 2005 at Main Hall Sheffield Hallam University had attracted five teams to compete and up to 80 audiences for the first time. The five participating teams were from Newcastle, Manchester, Southampton, Sheffield and a group of former-KMYS students. The Southampton’s team, Zunnur which delivered “The Beauty of Ukhuwah in the Name of Allah” and “Nabi Anak Yatim” had won the judges heart to bring home the first prize.
The four-hour event was sponsored and supported by Malaysian Student Department UK and Eire (MSD), UK Executive Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC), Kelana Convoy Ltd, Federation of Student Islamic Societies in UK and Ireland (FOSIS), GLR Builders Sdn Bhd, Universal Computers, Novel Computers and several Muslim groceries around Sheffield.
NEXT05 had cost around £330 in order to make it a successful event. At the end of the day, we had collected about £1000 in return. As promised, 60% of the profit that is £328.80 goes to Muslim Aid and Islamic Relief each. This small contribution hopefully will at least ease the burden of the unfortunates especially the Tsunami and war victims.
This event is likely to be held annually in the time to come for it to be a platform for students to contribute their efforts and ideas in helping others who are in need. Besides that, it is to help students develop the sensitivity towards other misfortunes and make them aware of their responsibility to give their endless contribution besides promoting a courteous way of entertainment.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Cheshire Oak Shopping Trip
4th January 2005
On 4th of January 2005, SMSA had organized a trip to Cheshire Oaks; one of Mc Arthur Glen’s Designer Outlet. 30 people had participated in the trip. A bus from Sheffield left as early as 8.00 in the morning with all of us enthusiastic to begin our trip. The bus screeched to a halt at our destination about two hours later.
Being there in a considerably large group, we were provided with a ‘further 10% reduction’ card. It truly heightens our spirit to start on our so-called ‘mission’. We spent a few hours browsing from one shop to the other trying to find something that catches our eyes. By the time we gathered back at the bus to have our lunch, everyone was carrying bags of stuff from their shopping spree.
After resting for sometime, most of us continued our shopping. The bus departed from Cheshire Oaks at 6 pm. Everybody seemed so tired after a whole day of shopping and were some even slept throughout the journey back. Despite the exhaustion, satisfaction was clearly written on each of their face. Two thumbs up for this trip and just hope another one comes up soon.
By,
Nur Farhana Mustapha
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Raya@SMSA 2004
Date: Sunday, 28th November 2004
Venue: Broomhall Community Centre
An Eid celebration was organized by SMSA for its members. This year’s theme is ‘beraya di kampung’and it was held at Broomhall Community Centre. The members were divided according to their study circle groups. Each group was then required to cook different main dish to compete with one another. Besides that they were also allocated with some section to decorate and became their so-called ‘house’.
This event started at 5pm where each study circle’s group members set up their ‘houses’. At 6pm, the actual event began with du’a recitation and speech by SMSA vice president Mr. Amzani Faisal. Female ‘guests’ were allowed to visit the female ‘hosts’ and the male hosts entertained their male visitors in the first visiting session. Soon after they were free to meander around socializing. Nasi Lemak, Sate, Soto, Mee Bandung, Lontong and Nasi Beriani were part of the delicacies served during the harmonious event.
Judges were appointed during that day to determine which ‘house’ is going to win the ‘best house’ and ‘most delicious food’ awards. At the end of the event, these awards were presented to Sumaiyah group for ‘the best house’ and Umar Abdul Aziz group for ‘the most delicious food’. Lucky draw was also part of that day activities.
Apart from that, there was also a ‘Member of the Season’ award presented. The award went to two winners; Mohd Redzuan and Ahmad Ikram. This award was rewarded as a token of appreciation for their hard works in SMSA. During the event, SMSA’s redesigned website was also officially launched by Mr Munir Najmi.
The event ended at 9pm and everyone had a great time; going home with bursting full stomach. I am looking forward to have another such a splendid event in the future.
By,
Nur Farhana Mustapha
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Kuih Raya Project 2004
Date: Sunday, 7th Nov 2004@10am - 4pm
Venue: Subud Community Centre, Darnall
Ramadhan almost left and Eid was coming. It was early Sunday morning when a group of girls headed towards the tram station for a harmonious ‘Kuih Raya’ making project. This program was a joint effort between SMSA, HELWA and PMPMS. It was the first program ever done involving only female members. The aim was to bring female SMSA members and HELWA closer by making use of the common interest in cooking and baking. The program ran smoothly and it was a success.
It was held with the aim of introducing the post graduate students to the newcomers or the juniors, as well as tightening the bond between them. The undergraduates were glad they were given the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Raya Delicacies like dodol and wajik from the expert i.e. the post graduates.
A variety of traditional cookies or kuih raya were made. They include Biskut Makmur, Dodol, Wajik, Biskut Telur Rebus, Almond London and Biskut Gajus. The cookies were made for the subsequent Eid celebration at Karachi Store in Attercliff.
The program was a great success and has met all the objectives. There were encouraging feedbacks from HELWA as well as PMPMS and it is hoped that this program should be continued every year as a mean to eliminate the generation gap between the post grads and undergrads that should have never existed in the first place.
By,
Nur Hasiba Kamaruddin
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Student Welcoming Party
October 2004
This event marks the end of the new students welcoming programme. It was held together with PMPMS, SMS and HELWA in a harmonious mix between undergraduate students, postgraduate students and their family members. The event was held to introduce the new members of the Malaysian societies as well as allowing the new students to get acquainted and interact with each other. A few groups of students made performances in front of the attendees which includes a few officials from the Malaysian Students Department specially invited as honourable guests. It was really entertaining after a nice dinner served with delicious Malaysia dishes.
As a whole the new students welcoming programme was successful and received appreciations from the members involved.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Car boot Trip and Shopping Tours
October 2004
A day was set aside for a trip to a car boot sales at Old Coats. Alhamdulillah it was a bright Sunday morning in the midst of the rainy start of autumn days. The committee members who went there enjoyed themselves as much as the new students; buying necessities, needs and wants at a real bargain price. Most went home with bags and bags of goodies, plus cheerful smiles being to car boot sales for the first time.
In later days, the students were brought by their hosts to go about shopping in the city centre. These include sharing of shopping tips and tricks. They really did spend a lot for their new home.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Students Arrivals in UK
September 2004
UK chapter of the new student welcoming programme was the continuity of the chapter that started in Malaysia. It was run throughout the month of September. This includes picking up arriving students at the Manchester Airport, arranging for hosts to accommodate the students temporarily as well as bringing them to go about shopping. The organising committee members had sleepless nights travelling day and night back and forth between the airport and the new students’ final destinations. They even went as far as Heathrow, London to send the students. Hosts gave warm welcome to their guests, just like families despite the fact that they’ve only known each other for a very short time.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Sambutan Pelajar Baru (SPB) Malaysia Chapter
Throughout Summer 2004
The whole new student welcoming programme was aimed to help University of Sheffield Malaysian newcomers to get a warm welcome in Sheffield and settle down as soon as possible. The plan was done thoroughly even before the summer break starts so as to avoid confusion and ensure that everything runs smoothly. This surely helped relieve the anxiety of the newcomers, what’s more coming to a foreign land for the first time in their lifetime for most of them. SPB Malaysia chapter put emphasis on establishing contacts with the new students and to promote the life of Malaysian students in Sheffield as well as in the United Kingdom. This would help them get a glimpse on what to expect prior to their arrival in this western part of the globe.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Pre - Departure Party
August 2004
University of Sheffield’s pre-departure party was organised by the University of Sheffield South East Asia regional department during the summer break. It was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, next to KLCC right in the heart of the capital of Malaysia. The evening party was attended by new students and their parents. SMSA sent a number of members to help out as the events volunteers. It was initially planned that SMSA representative has to give a talk on how the life in Sheffield is like during the party but it was later cancelled and replaced with a video recording session where students were interviewed on similar topic. The event was greatly successful as we managed to get most of the new students contact and this is of great assistance in the subsequent flow of the students welcoming programme. Not to forget the volunteers get to keep their unique yellow University of Sheffield t-shirt (its not on sale anywhere!!)
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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British Education Fair
August 2004
Basically this was like a usual event held by UK educational institutions and the University of Sheffield never wanted to be left out to promote its intellectual products. Held at the PWTC 2 weeks after the pre-departure party, SMSA also sent a couple of students to help out at the booth of the University of Sheffield. This event was mainly aimed at promoting the university to future potential students.
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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Ladies’ Night 2004
Date: 14th June 2004@6pm– 9pm
Venue: 5 Filey Street
Summer break is just around the corner. The most awaited season of the year brings a lot of cheerful smiles to a lot of people especially those who have been eyeing for the chance of going home to see family and friends. Nonetheless summer time also bids farewell to the final year students of the University of Sheffield. Hence SMSA organizes an event especially meant for the female members to get together, possibly for the last time in Sheffield.
The main aim of conducting such an event is mainly to show appreciation for the SMSA women members for their contribution and participation in SMSA throughout their presence here in Sheffield; especially for those who are leaving Sheffield for good.
In addition to that, this event was made as a platform to formally announce the departure of the seniors who graduated last July and provide a chance for the other members to acquire the leaving members’ contact details, enquire on anything of importance, as well as establishing networks which could be beneficial in later years.
The theme for the night was ‘Datin’. The girls had so much fun with games and performances listed as part of the events activities. It was later followed by a yummylicious barbeque dinner. The enjoyable evening ended with a souvenir giving ceremony to the departing senior members and a final farewell ceremony.
The girls left with hopes of everlasting relationship and wishes of luck for each other.
By,
Syazana Mustaffa Kamal
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Moving House with SMSA
11th June 2004@9pm - 2am
Summer holidays coming, and quite a number of people were in rushes to get their belonging secured as they have to move house; be it from university owned accommodations or private houses.
In such time, the welfare bureau of SMSA headed by Nasir played its role to cater for the need of SMSA members who find difficulties moving their piles of treasures to new lovely homes blocks or even miles away. An MPV was rented from a postgraduate student and the hard works starts at noon even though it was initially planned to start in the morning. Nasir was accompanied by Redzuan and me to help him out. He drove the MPV himself throughout the activity. Most of the members using the service were very grateful despite being charged a small amount of money to cover the costs of the MPV rent and petrol. Some even paid extra as a token of gratitude. The initial plan was to only cater for students who wanted to move within 5km radius from the city centre, but it seemed that the crews went extra miles to help out the students in need.
The activity was sure an exhausting one as it ran all the way until 2a.m the next morning. The effort was worthwhile as the activity met its objective. SMSA members’ welfare was indeed well taken care of. Well done welfare bureau!!
By,
Munir Najmi Mat Noh
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