Jobs. Syukur.

This three four months I don't have income since I'm not teaching for short semester. However, syukur, praise be to Allah for opportunities given to do something that I love to, during this time. Before that, I am still in my correction period until July. I was ordered by my examiner to put aside other things and to concentrate all out for my correction. I need to apologize to her that I really have to do what I love to do, that will generate income for me. Plus, 3 months I don't have any income to pay my car, my sewa rumah, phone bill etc. But Thank Allah, I got few things to do as my job that I really love to do.

Last week 22 May I was asked to become the MC for a convocation ceremony with a partner. It was a convocation ceremony of TAJ International College. It was great, happy to know new friends and the event was successfully conducted at Putrajaya International Convention Centre! AlhamduliLlah I did it, and I love this job.

This June I have 2 or 3 events to be anchored. Nearest will be this 4th and 5th of June. Same role, becoming an MC. I received a note on my wall in Facebook from the adorable Kak Wardina, that she wanted me to become the MC for her book launching & the Press Conference before the launching. She called be this aftrenoon to confirm my involvement, and of course I am happy to be part of the event! I salute Kak Wardina so much and that is why I am happy to work with her. So, I'll be conducting the press conference on the 4th of June at the National Library, and to anchor the launching ceremony and signing ceremony on the 5th, at MPH Bookstore, Midvalley Megamall. I really have to practice by now. Of course I will ask a lot from experienced people ie: my brother Ally, my good friend Fedtri, Izwan and Shera. Those have been good persons in anchoring events, so wish they can help me!!

Woah, almost a month ago I was anchoring a wedding ceremony in KAED Gallery, UIAM. And I have another one to conduct this 27th of June, at the same venue! Alhamdulillah... Oh I have another big wedding to be anchored! 8th of August 2010, at Dewan Sri Siantan, Putrajaya. It's going to be my best friend's wedding, and it is going to be a formal one as the VVVIP will be the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Woooooo..I'm so scared, but I'm glad this opportunities reached me and I am happy! I really have to be prepared for all these upcoming events!

Takuuuutttt....

Thank Allah for giving me this 'rezeki'. He knows I'm currently jobless for 3 months, but I think I need to work to gain some income so that I can prepare well for my final hard bind thesis, proof read, and printing. Plus, I am not a person who can sit down, concentrate and focus on a thing only. So I disagree with the examiner. I have to do what I like, and at the same time give me income, so that I can survive. Insha Allah.

So, as for today, I thank Allah for giving me all these, for letting me to do what I love to do! This is part of my learning process in becoming a versatile person. I really want to be a versatile person, who can do anything, anytime, anywhere! That's me!

ARDI

organizing something - the process

Just want to share based on my personal experiences.

Once I made myself involve in many events, programmes and activities during my undergraduate years. I would say I was quite active in co-curricular activities and I love organizing events with friends and students' societies.

I think I dedicate this post to my juniors, or so-called my students. I'm here to share things and the process that the students should undergo and understand for organizing programmes. You may have other references instead of this post, however, I am glad if my post will help you in any ways.

I always give an example to the juniors about our batch's international trip to Spain, in 2006, as the process and the journey to achieve quarter million ringgit is not that easy. Good cables might help but not too forget, the organization of the programme, or the trip itself.

Organization Line-up

It is advisable that the Project Manager (PM) to be selected, not only by voting, but the capability of the PM him/herself. He/She must be a very committed person, have the ability to direct, strict but flexible and have the leadership quality. The appointed person should be firm and fixed with whatever decision made, either by him/herself or the main committee. The PM should be assisted by a strong line-up of committee which include the Asst PM, Secretary, Treasurer and their assistants.

Please do not forget to appoint at least one lecturer as the advisor, to be your reference that have the experiences of conducting programmes, to advice concerning your progress throughout your 'journey' to make your programme a success. An advisor should be the best person for the PM or the students to refer, if any difficulties, confusion, and other obstacles happened.

It is up to the PM to decide on how to coordinate the Main Committe and other committee members. Division into units may be good and looked more organized.

Working Paper

1. One of the most important parts overall.

2. Based on my personal experience, writing a propsal paper/working paper takes a very long time. Why? Because students do not really consult with lecturers on the content of the working paper. However, it is good to refer any past working papers that has been approved and has become a successful one.

3. Secretary and the PM may be the best person to take charge. Consult with your lecturer for the content.

4. For an international trip like SPAIN2006, Australia2007, Syria2009 etc, the main points include:
-why are you going to that place?
-why Spain/Syria/Korea/Guatemala etc?
-What you can contribute for this trip?
-What are the contributions of the trip/programme towards the development of students/university/ummah/body of knowledge?
-Reasons to go there?
-Programmes to be done there?
-Assignments to be conducted there?
-What else?

5. Sequence of the content should be well organized. Attach any appendices, if any. Use proper BM or English Language. Most of the reasons of rejecting working papers were because the English usage was not proper. Solution = Consult with your lecturer. Names, designation, position etc should be properly spelled in the signatories part.

6. Budget - to be realistic. Refer to past working papers might help. Reasonable budget can encourage the authority (Rector's Office and the Ministry) to approve the working paper immediately.

7. Add information about the place that you're going. Show that you have knowledge about the area and wish to discover more, and benefit from it. Do not forget to mention about the nature of the programme. If it is an EDUCATIONAL TRIP, do mention what is EDUCATIONAL in the trip.

8. Place the tentative programme, and make sure the programmes to be done during the trip are beneficial programmes, instead of resting/free time/shopping etc.

9. Show your plan on how to get fund. Mention your business planning, sub-programmes that to raise fund, sponsorsip proposal, and divisions on how you can achieve the total amount.

Eg. Total cost - RM250,000.00

Sponsorship - RM100,000.00
Workshops - RM20,000.00
Fund-raising dinner - RM80,000.00
Business projects* - RM20,000.00
Participation in Competitions - RM10,000.00
Organizing Events - RM20,000.00

*Business projects may include car wash, flower selling during convocation, producing and selling Glass Painting, light snacks/junk food selling within KAED, Nasi Lemak selling throughout the university etc. These projects, I would say FUN!

Try to think out on large projects that do not consume to much time, easy to be done and produce BIG profit in a short time. Get creative + fun ideas from your lecturers, family and friends as well.

10. Try to be fast in producing a working paper, or you will drag much more time, even years to complete and get it approved. Trust me.



Sub-Programmes

1. I would say this part will be enjoyable and fun.

2. My example - the recent Floating Sculpture Competition organized by the 1st year LA, has produced good profit and participation. I could see the event was fun and received great support by people who appreciate students efforts.

3. You have to be unite, so that it's going to be fun. Avoid tribes and small groups, it might cause 'similar faces doing the same thing'. All are to commit in this 'togetherness' projects.

4. These sub-programmes might need a working paper as well, but not as complicated as the main working paper (the trip working paper itself).

5. Programmes proposed should obey rules/regulations of the university.

6. University/Kulliyyah might assist if any request can be fulfilled by them. Example. CAC Great Hall during my time was Free of Charge for our Fund Raising Dinner, since it was a students programme (with an approved working paper). So we can ask for assistance from the Kulliyyah and University and get their advice. Public Relation Office, ROVAS, Food & Services Units etc are always available to advice students. You just have to be hardworking and committed, also follow the requirement ordered.

7. Promote your programmes as best as possible, throughout the Kulliyyah and the University. Make sure the whole campus are in 'fever' knowing the programmes you're doing. This is for great participation from others, and profitable.

8. Organize fun things, invite good personalities/celebrities or create creative programmes, these are to attract particpation from other people.

9. You will gain supports as I said, lecturers even the Rector will appreciate studens' effort in conducting programmes, so, don't stop organzing sub programmes.

10. Plan for 3 to 5 sub programmes in each semester. Make sure it is profitable.

11. Avoid too much claims during post-programmes.

12. All to play role in getting participants. All to play role in promoting the programmes.

13. Minor post mortem to be conducted after the programme implementation. Post mortem should reflect what has been planned before, not really into emotional expression on dissatisfactory. Do not create disunity while you are in the middle of the road to achieve your goal, which is the trip. All to be professional, don't be childish.

14. PM to know what to entertain and what not to entertain. That's why PM must be firm and strong, and fixed with decision.

Cables

1. It helps.

2. Strong cables might help. If your relatives are 'someone', why not try to use it. Seek advice from lecturers on how to 'use' the cables. 'Cables' also will appreciate the efforts by students, know their interest and ask them how you can help them while they help you. Create a 'win-win' situation.

Eg. - Seniors in LA department used cables to meet the CEO/Director of Mesiniaga Building. The Director admires the glass painting produced by the students and agreed to pay the students for producing several glass painting to be placed all around the interior part of the Mesiniaga Building. If one A1 glass painting costs
RM500.00, if they sold 20 pieces to be placed in the building, the students already got RM10,000.00. Students must be hardworking to learn and produce a beautiful galss painting. Interested, I would say you to consult with Bro Ruzaimi.

Another example. Simple one. One of your part-time lecturers has a good cable with media and TV personalities. He would be happy to assist you if you organize talks that invite TV personalities. By using this cable, it somehow will attract students campuswide to participate, as they might have no problem spending, mere to meet their favourite TV personality and get knowledge from him/her.

3. Cables are also good if you're organizing Fund-Raising Dinner (FRD). A classmate of mine (who's a son of Datuk Seri Najib's political secretary) almost have Dato Seri Najib as the Guest of Honour during our FRD, but unfortunately he couldn't make it. By having strong cables, the promotion of the FRD will be more great, and will attract many sponsors and poeple to attend the event. Conclusion - get a strong person to be the Guest of Honour of the FRD. If Prime Minister or his Deputy attending your dinner it will confirm to be appeared in the newspapers, and the whole nation will read about it. Greatest promotion. So, use your cable, especially during FRD.

Spirit

1. Be optimistic and confident that the trip/project will turn success.

2. Do not stop in the middle of the journey.

3. Do not too excited.

4. Know what to be prioritized.

5. Respect leader's decision.

6. Leader's decision must always based on consultations with lecturers. PM cannot decide his/her own main decision without consulting the advisor.

7. Do Solat hajat on any programmes planned.

8. Be proud of your project, make sure the whole faculty/campus know about it. It brings good name to the Department/Kulliyyah.

9. Inculcate sense of healthy competition among members.

10. Be good in finding opportunities to run buisness etc.

11. You will learn a lot throughout the whole process. You'll know more about your friends and their heads, and how to tackle their characters.

12. You'll be appreciated by your efforts.

13. Make sure all plans are realistic and implementable.

14. Organize regular meeting, prepare meeting minutes etc.

15. Try to find space (or Operation Room) for the project.

16. Spend wisely the operational budget. Minimize whatever unnecessary expenditure for operation.

17. Creative and Innovative. Make your project different from others.

18. Use your 'own' human resources to avoid spending much money. Example - for Fund Raising Dinner, if your friend can become a good emcee, appoint him/her to be the emcee, instead of hiring outsiders and pay. You'll save money in this case.

19. Work together. All to put efforts. If necessary, give merit points for those who contribute a lot, and reward him/her at the end of the day with something!


ALL THE BEST.

Any queries, do not hesitate to contact me. I will add more if necessary.

Prepared by

ARDI HERMAN MOHD MARDZI
KAED,
International Islamic University Malaysia

May 2009

Portfolio Review Report

I was asked to write the minute of meeting for the external Portfolio Review for the Department of Landscape Architecture. Just to share some parts of the minute, so the viewers/students could response upon what have been discussed.



Post Portfolio Review


The Post External Portfolio Day Review commences with the recitation of Al Faatihah. The session was opened by the chairperson, Dr Izawati Tukiman as the Head of Department. The meeting summarized about the opinions and comments by the external panelists for every studio and their projects.


First year:
En. Fauzi started the deliberation by expressing his satisfactory upon the performance by the first year. Graphic skills however needed to be improved, as well as the soft skills, such as the line weights and understanding of these graphic communications skills. Understanding the importance of planting plan is important as well.


Dr. Hasanuddin mentioned about the importance of emphasizing skills, rather than design for the first year. The type of project (urban ecology) should be revised for its concern on carrying capacity. He also expressed his concern on the settings of the elements, should show the landscape settings and the importance of the areas, profile of the site etc. The understandings and rational of to producing sections, elevations drawings also should be well understood by the students.


Professor Dr Ismawi mentioned that the 1st year project is related with urban ecology since to gain the understanding upon understanding the environment. Graphically, the first year produced good works in terms of quality.


2nd year:
En. Roslan suggested that the inventory and analysis to be conducted in a group while detail development to be conducted individually. Students should master and understand the urban design concepts and terminologies.


Dr. Hasanudin praised the organization of 2nd year and the classifications of site to be designed. Good thing about the 2nd year is the continuous processes are always related to each other. Overall, 2nd year did well. However, construction and technical drawings should be included as well in this year.

En. Fadrillah raised the idea of implementing the producing design guidelines as the solutions as the outcome.

Presentation wise and vocabulary should be interpreted in their design, especially when they are working outside.


Working model tasks are encouraged to be done, so that the understanding of levels, topography, landform and spaces can be understood by the students.




3rd Year:
Many topics were interesting. Try to incorporate researches on contemporary design, contemporary architecture and other topics which are suit with the current situation and environment.

English usage is important. English language is a bonus that should come parallel with the content of the research. Both are important. Among the 3rd year students there are around five to six students who are excellent in their English usage.



4th year:
En Fauzi mentioned that the Graphic skills have been improved compared to the previous years. Lacking of analysis process, therefore there are lack of design justification that relate with the analysis.

Dr. Hasanudin expressed his worried on the consideration of levels that the students took. Students seem to ignore the importance of topography, and level.

Many subjects have been taught, but they did not incorporate them in their design.

Practical training exercise is suggested not to be implemented during regular semester, afraid of the students might lost their momentum of design, according to Professor Ismawi.

Students should take consideration about the values of buildings, environment and condition of the site when designing a particular space.


Meeting was adjourned at 5.15pm, by the recitation of Surah Al-‘Asr.



Prepared by,

ARDI HERMAN MOHD MARDZI

Lecturer (PT)

KAED, IIUM

ardi@work

This site is created purposely to share my working experiences, things I enjoy to do, and what I am currently working on. I would also love to share whatever experiences I have, and it is hoped that viewers may benefit from what I am sharing with you.

My background:

• Obtained my bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture (Honours) in 2007
• Am currently completing my M.Sc in Built Environment, in IIUM, supervision by Prof. Dr. Ismawi Hj Zen
• Currently doing part time jobs such as Research Officer, Landscape Design works, workshops organizer, Part-time lecturer/tutor, freelance Master of Ceremony, voice-over, presenter, and event management works.
• love to travel, observing people's places, culture, lifestyle and environment.
• involve in researches and studies which put concern on the accessibility for the disabled persons in Malaysia, electronic submission implementation in Malaysia, gated community & safety environment, campus landscape design, urban design & pedestrianisation, Islamic gardens and architecture and many more.
• love sports; futsal, football & bowling
• wish to enhance my personal skills, verbal presentation, designing, communication, and to add more knowledge in myself.

Here I wish I can display my works or share whatever works/consultancies I have been involved, and any comments, viewers may contact me by email to ardiherman@yahoo.com, or visit my facebook/friendster page.

Regards,

ARDI HERMAN MOHD MARDZI

April 2009