10 years a columnist: Your stories, our lessons

In 2014, I embarked on a journey as a columnist with TheStar.

Back then as press secretary at the Education Ministry, the columns focused primarily on education. As my professional (and personal) life traversed the public and private sectors, from singlehood to parenthood, this column has covered topics aplenty.

Reflecting on a decade of writing, today’s column is about the stories, the people, and the universal lessons I’ve had the privilege of sharing with you – our readers.

Lesson 1: Resilience Through Another’s Lense

"Sometimes at night before I sleep, I have tears... why is my life like this?"

– The Strange Life of Salim the Refugee Part 1 (May, 2015)

In the stories of struggle and triumph, resilience has been the constant theme.

From Salim the Refugee, who overcame a life of hardship in Malaysia to start anew in the United States, to Amy Bala, aka the Lady in the Red Saree, a social welfare worker dedicating her life to protecting vulnerable children, these are stories that highlight the indomitable human spirit.

What we can learn is that no matter how insurmountable challenges may seem, the power to keep moving forward often comes from within, even when external circumstances seem impossible.

Their stories remind us that resilience is something we cultivate through experience, hardship, and the support as well as love of others.

Lesson 2: The Power of Vulnerability and Growth

"At the end of each lesson, it’s good to feel ‘stupid.’"

– Oh, The People You’ll Meet (March, 2021)

In a world that constantly demands confidence, it’s easy to forget that vulnerability and the willingness to say "I don’t know" — is where true learning begins.

This lesson came home time and again, whether through classroom debates on Palestine, unsung student heroes cleaning muddy grounds in post-flood Kelantan, or in discussions about climate change and planetary health.

What I hope readers take away is the courage to embrace vulnerability in their own lives. It’s through acknowledging what we don’t know, what we still can learn, that we can begin to grow.

Lesson 3: Mentors Matter

"Our snacks are healthy... as healthy as snacks can get."

– The Kacang Putih Entrepreneur Who Decided Against Harvard (April, 2016)

Behind every successful endeavour, there are mentors and guides, often unseen, who shape and refine one’s journey – the ups and downs, beautiful and ugly. From kacang putih entrepreneur Surentran Somasundan to Eizaz Azhar, a school dropout turned-MIT graduate and Yizhen Fung, a Kota Bharu lass who made it to Oxford University and continues to trailblaze.

In life, we are all both learners and teachers. Each of us has something to give, and each of us has more to learn.

From Professor Emerita Datuk Asma Ismail to fellow columnist Mushtak Al-Atabi, there is no shortage of inspiration and mentorship when needed. Sometimes we have to look a bit deeper.

At this juncture, a special shout-out to the editorial team who have polished my prose, pointed out my errors, and made every column better than it would have been otherwise -- Martin Vengadesan, Asohan Aryaduray, Santha Oorjitham, Edward Gomez, Christina Chin, Michelle Tam, and so many others who have been part of this journey. And of course, Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Datin Paduka Esther Ng, for your constant encouragement and support.

Lesson 4: Giving Voice to the Voiceless

"Adik nak jadi apa?” (when you grow up, what do you want to become?)

“Tentera” (a soldier)

– Giving Voice to Children (May, 2015)

One of my greatest responsibilities as a columnist has been the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless.

From highlighting the ambitions of orphans (above) and Children’s Rights, to recognising special-needs students in their Inspired Kitchen, to civil servants overcoming mental health challenges, the stories of those who are marginalized offer us all a chance to listen, learn, and most importantly, act.

What we can all take from this is the importance of advocacy. You can make a difference in any capacity. We all have the ability to use our voices for good. In a world where many feel unheard, starting by listening— and then acting —can be the first step toward creating change.

And who knows, occasionally, your stories may inspire.

Lesson 5: Embracing Change and Uncertainty

"Looking East, the Japanese cucumber farm uses AI to automatically sort cucumbers by size, shape, colour and other attributes”

– Making the world a better place with Artificial Intelligence (September, 2018)

If there’s one constant in the last decade, it’s that the world is always changing – from the rise of AI in education, addressing misinformation/ disinformation, or disruptions of global markets, or the shifting tides of politics, change is inevitable.

What I hope readers take from this is the importance of adaptability. In a world that never stays still, those who can embrace change, rather than resist it, will find themselves better equipped to navigate the future.

CLOSING REFLECTIONS

"How do you feel?", my colleague said, "bersyukur (thankful)".

- Being Thankful, published Oct 2014

Often forgotten, this column actually has a name: “What’s Your Status?”. It’s a play on the early days of social media platforms, which asked you to share your feelings and thoughts on any given day by typing in your status.

In this spirit, from empowering communities to nation-building, the last 10 years as a columnist have been a privilege. These stories are not just mine to tell — they belong to all of us, because they reflect the human experience we all share.

As we move forward into the next decade, whether our status is in feeling resilient, vulnerable, empathetic, adaptable, or just thankful - I hope we continue to learn from one another.