MOSAIC 2011 @ Doha, Qatar Day 3,4,5.....and forever

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim... I have not ben updating this blog since day 3 of the summit..but at least I managed to update some photos in my facebook.. you know what.. so much to share.. if I were to tell every stories that we went through daily..it would be too much.. and you might get bored.. but I decided to highlight some significants issues, news and stories that I think is important and I would love to share to everyone..

hmm.. how do I start? perhaps by outlining a few topics first.. please let me know if you have some ideas so that I can write it out..

As today.. I just want to say that I feel so honoured, thankful and grateful to be selected to be in MOSAIC. It was an eye opener, for me to understand that there are a lot more inteligent, talented and special people out there..regardless of age, colours, religions, understandings, politics etc. They are just great people. MOSAIC made me understand that the world is much more bigger that what I expected. It's much more wonderful and too much to explore. MOSAIC made me think that I have not done enough to the world, to my community, to the people around me or even to myself. I have so much to think and to work on now.

When I was in MOSAIC, I felt so small. Really. I don't talk much but I observed a lot. I was so impressed with the young people there who have a lot of knowledge, experience and understandings about the world's issues. On what is happening in their countries, their patriotism, their spirit, their hopes, their determination, their integrity, their credibilities to stand up and talk about their stands. That was great and something not that normal for me.

My group, Renaissance- was a great group. The best group I have ever had in my life. Everyone are positive people, we talked positively, we debated ideas, we listen to each other, we talked intelligently, it was just great. And at the same time we enjoyed ourselves so much..(especially on the ladies party..ehhehe...) Really. It was great! Partenring with another group- Eye of the Tiger was another opportunity to know and understands more people. To learn and experience more things. They are just great people.. creative and artistic.. I think that was why our group won the Best Presentattion. Thanks to you guys..

Ohh.. I have so much to share.. this is the beginning.. let me think more and put it in properly..

By the time, please enjoy the videos of our group - created by Korvi- a talented young young man.

Winning Group presentation - Eye of the Tiger + Renaissance

Getting ready myself to start working tomorrow.. enjoy and see ya!

First 2 days in Doha, Qatar- MOSAIC 2011

Day 1

Yesterday afternoon, when we still have some free time before the programs starts, me, and a few other friends from Malaysia of course, Indonesia, Oman and Pakistan decided to go for a walk and perhaps to go to Souq Waqif, a market that sells many things.. the reception told us it would take 15 mins walking distance. And with a map, we all walk and walk and walk until 1 hour but yet to find the Souq! Surprisingly, we are quite confused when we are not sure if the shops there are closed or..not yet open because looks like not many people on the streets and the shops are mostly not opened! We stopped by to ask a few people we met and nobody knows where is the Souq as they are also not locals..hmm..?? It was just like an Amazing Race in Doha episode..Zul (one of my team from Malaysia) was running around with his map to find directions and Haneem was trying to read the map but unfotunately she read it upside down!.. And you knw what, from there, we can clearly that our hotel is just opposite..

And..at last we found the Souq..it is a nice place.. a few things are sold there.. households, pashminas, abayas, nuts and chocolates, pets, souvenirs, carpets, magic lamp etc.. but the price.. very expensive I would say.. 1 piece of a fridge magnet costs 10QR each which about RM10. We can get 3 for RM10 normally.. uhhh...! Once done, we are walking back to the hotel, we saw many people on the streets, lots of vehicles and most of the shops are widely opened! OMG.. I think we were the only crazy tourist who walk on the street under the bright, hot sun when people in Qatar don't do that.. their night is more happenings because ot's too hot during the day..


Stopped by to take some photos even when we are lost




Look.. our hotel is just there and we took ore than 1 hour to reach here!



Souq at night

Took photo in the middle of the street






Day 2

Today is the real program day. In the  morni ng we started with some introductions and speeches by Dr Saif Al-Hajari, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation followed by some thoughts from UK ambassodor to Qatar, His Excellency, Ambassador John Hawkins and Personal Leadership Journey 1 sharing by  Stephen Howard, CEO of Business in Community. All gave us some insights of what to expect, and to have some understanding of what MOSAIC all about and it's objectives. We managed to watched a video speeceh by HRH The Prince of Wales talking about this program and I was surprised with his aspiration towards MOSAIC delegates and also when he said 'Assalamualaikum' as well as 'Ilal liqa' before he ends his speech.. wow...

We had a group introduction session at our leader's room and so nice of her to give each memeber a special tea from Kenya..thanks! And continued to an very powerful session by Robert Swan, one of the worls's preeminent polar explorers and environmental leaders.By age 33, he became the first person to WALK to both the North and South Poles. His sharings was wonderful, full of inspiration and we can feel what he gone thru. All from his heart.

He talked about DREAMS that brought him to where he is and who he is today. A few things that striked me most about LEADERSHIP are:

• Everything starts from a DREAM. Don't forgrt your dream, DON'T WAIT..if not, your dream can be strangled by life.
• Don't choose easy team. Choose people will challenge you to think
• humour is important, so laugh!
• leadership is not always from the front, but how you support your team. Lead only when needed to.
• Stop and celebrate success moments
• if you make a mistake, admit it! it makes you stronger
• to inspire people, you have to engage them
• Think Global, Act Local
• And many more..

This is one of the best tak I've ever heard and it inspires me, inspires many people.. LIVE YOUR DREAM!

When he was in South Pole..

With Robert Swan

That's a simple him, travelling with his knapsack

Robert with tea from Prudential Team

Kuantan - KLIA - Abu Dhabi - Doha 13-14 Nov 2011

The journey started.. My first flight from Kuantan to KLIA at 10.15am.. why so early? because that's the most suitable flight. If not, I'll be too late or too early.. reached KLIA about 11am. No worries.. many things happened, and a few things I managed to settle.. until Firah reached about 5pm and we checked in together.

First MOSAIC member we met while queing to check in was Hezreen, from Kuala Lumpur, a freelancer. Nice meeting her, a cute mixed lady. We had a drinks while waiting for others but seems like didn't managed to as it's a bit late. My feelings feels much better now after I met a few friends who will be in the same boat with me..

Boarded at 8.20pm with EY 0411 Etihad Airways, hmm.. nice Boeing 777. Me and Firah seated at 24C and 24D, hoping so hard no one will seat next to her.. yess! It took about 6.5 hours to reach Abu Dhabi at 11.30pm local hours.just hang around for about 2 hours and we took off with EY 299 to Doha, just 45 mins away. And..at last we are in Doha..sent directly to immigration and there you go... what a long queue at 2.30am in the morning! And most are queing at 'Other Nationalities' lane..hmm.. now I understand..I'm not alone...:)

After about 1 hour later, everyone done and we were brought to a bus which brought us to the Coral Hotel, Doha located at Safilia Street, about 4.30am. Subuh here is about 4.35am. My room number is 1110 and guess what.. my expectation was wrong.. each one of us get one room of our own! yeaahhhh!!! What a nice room ... we were welcomed with a glass of mocktail and a rose! Tq...check that out below..After solat, I just couldn't sleep, can't wait to update some stories while I still have the time. It'll be quite free for us today to have a rest and the full program will start tomorrow... see ya!

It's the airport ceiling at Abu Dhabi airport

My room

nice bed..each delegate stay in their own single room

nice huhh..

Welcome note from MOSAIC

Schedule for Day 1

travel docs..visa and boarding passes

view from my room, Coral Hotel, level 11- Room 1110

Who is this man to me..? continued..

If you ask me about my leadership idol, I would say him as my nearest example... secondly, will be my Tun Mahathir..

Let's talk a little bit about him..

First I saw him from far during an event in MITC Melaka, somewhere in 2009. He spoke that day as the main highlight to deliver our company goal and at the same time introducing him as a new leader for our company.. First impression.. hmm.. I know some people were quite sceptical about him.. perhaps including myself.. because he is different.. he's quite soft spoken, very gentle. He's didn't show any aggressiveness or too high energy..(people like to compare anyway..we call it 'raahh..raah..') as we were used to a very high energy speech because we need a lot of excitement , motivation and aggressiveness in our daily job- so called sales. He's not that kind of person..

Time passes by, and I started to realized how different he is.. he amazed me and others, the whole company with his vision, values, cultures, sincerity and the most that opened my eyes is his humbleness.. Really. Our first impression slowly faded..and what we have now is someone who has shown us about think big, believe in ourselves and to have a big heart. Someone who shown us possible direction.. nothing is IMPOSSIBLE.. 1.02 Billion new business in 2010, the first company to achieve 1B business in the industry. Can u imagine that before? But he made us believe that 1,000,000,000 is a reality..  He made us as a company achieved something that we ourselves never believe we can do it. He made us believed the impossibles. Anyway, he is still as soft and gentle as he is before, but his energy, his love,his spirit and his sincerity can be felt in everyone of us. It's always with us.

I never seen a situation for a person like him in his position would say 'thank you' to everyone he can meet after a mega event, including the hotel banquets and the cleaners! I seldom see a person like him will squeeze his time at his level best to attend as small invitation as a Hari Raya 'open house' or 'open office', normal staff wedding..or even a simple lunch or dinner at your very own home.. If I'm also a person like him, then perhaps not a big deal, but our gap is actually too far.! Some people just quoted ' it's not easy to have someone like him whom you can rub your shoulder with'...hmm.. I think it's very true..

I want to know more, I want to study more about his leadership style..as for me, he is my nearest idol of a leader. I don't know a lot about him but I think he is DIFFERENT.

Thank you for being with us... Thanks to Mr Charlie E Oropeza, CEO of Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad..

Attended Sheila Majid's concert at Petronas Philharmonic

Charlie distributing 'Duit Raya' duringAidilfitri celebration Kota Bharu

Agencies in Kuantan celebrated his birthday

Charlie enjoying 'Nasi Dagang' and 'tapai' during Hari Raya open house in Kota Bharu

Who is this man for me?

I just put his photo first.. but who is he for me? I'll share with you soon....

MOSAIC is now 3 days to go.. not 33 days!!!!!

I have not been here for quite sometimes... too packed, too tight.. and just I went in and saw 3 comments..hmm.. and your comments made me happy.. and made me feel better to continue sharing.. in fact, I have lots to share.. everytime I went thru something, I feel like writing here..but it's just too hard for me to twist my mind and focus on others..

Hmm.. let's talk about the preparation.. in fact, I just got my ticket..coz after a while which I thought I have received the ticket but actually the linked can't be opened.. Thanks to Vicki who helped me to send the ticket in PDF file.. Overall.. I can say I'm only about 50-60% prepared. I haven't find my luggage bag, I haven't decide what clothes to bring bla..bla..bla.. and most importantly..my MIND.. am I mentally prepared?? I do hope that tomorrow- Friday will be the last day for me to think about work. That's why I'm still in the office now at 11pm..clearing things.. I'm gonna leave my team in this crucial time..our year end closing..it's so important for us to achieve our target.. hmmm.. but when read about my team leader's report (Thanks Frahiya!) for last years' MOSAIC..I fell a bit reliefed... I sent an email to my group leader about my worries and she replied me immediately! I appreciate that much..and you made me stronger to write this tonite..

What are my worries before attending MOSAIC? As I read my team members profile.. OMG.. they are from very different background compared to me.. they have such an interesting background..NGO, activist, engineers...and me? Seriously.. I'm so worried and nervous... have you guys done your surveys? That survey asked a lot about community, the time we spent with the community activities.. OMG..mine is none in a week! How am I going to share???? Thanks again to my team leader as she shared to me that we should go there to learn from everyone.. and there were even a housewife participated in MOSAIC last year.. hmm.. then I understand and start to feel better...

I decided to go with an open mind, be myself and contribute as much as I can.. I want to learn..I want to see how other people look at this world..from which perspective.. how small am I..it's a challenge.. I do hope that I can contribute to my team positively and work together,,help each other..

It's just too much to share..some I have already forgotten.. anyway.. we're gonna meet soon! See ya!

Biggest Love in the world..FAMILY

Family will still be the best topic for me..never ending story and fun to talk about it... Let's today talk my husband.. His name is Nurul Muhammad Zaidi bin Khairon. He's from the state of Pahang, Malaysia. We are about the same age, got married when we were both quite young..:) 8 years ago.. hmm.. right after I got my first job and he finished his studies.. yaa..we met when we were in university. We shared the same interest which is martial arts (surprised?). I was very active in Taekwondo and also Silat (Malay tradition martial arts) team, reprenting university for many championships.. And he was my junior.. He was then joined our team and that was how it's all started...:)

Let's forget about the not-so-romantic stories... he's kind of shy guy at first but once you get to know him, he's a funny guy.. and sometimes bad tempered too..(don't get mad at me..) but I appreciate him of what and who he is.. I thank him to be in my life, in my family's life and to always be there whenever I need him. The last 8 years was a journey for both of us.. ups and downs..just like other couple's life.. but Alhamdulillah..we managed to get it through together.. May God bless us forever..

Perhaps there's a reason why God is yet to give us a child.. I was once pregnant (through assisted pregnancy, IUI) but it was an ectopic. It was a very hard time for me.. but with my family's support and Zaidi besides me, I got back myself. And until now we are still trying.. hope we will get one , one fine day..InsyaAllah.. And we understand, God will only test His ummah whom can take it.. His is testing our patience and iman.. I feel thankful to still have a good health.. to still have my lovely family around me..

I love to share some photos.. And here is my 'crazy' husband.. anyway, I love him very much!

In reality..he is 'hair-less'



When he was in Kunming, China



He and his favourite afro hair

My family

This is my 7th post and then only I remember that I have not introduce my self and my family.. My name is Rafiqa Shireen binti Jemaat. I'm the youngest of 6 siblings. 3 elder brothers and 2 elder sisters. I'm the 6th and now 32 years old and my 5th who is my brother is 11 years difference with me. Hmm.. can you imagine? But we all love each other very much. I have 16 nieces and nephews and 5 coming to 6 grandnieces and grandnephews.. quite a big family.. my dad passed away 21 years ago..when I was 11 years old, in the year 1990. I was a little kid but he was the best father I have ever met for me. He was my best friend ever. For me only him who understands me as who I am.. I love you dad..

But today the family is big enough to make my mom, Hajah Saadiah feel happy. She's now staying with my brother, Mohd Jeffni in Johor Bahru, Johor my hometown or more specifically in Kg Dato Sulaiman Menteri a.k.a Majidi Baru. Our house in Majidi Baru is called 'HQ' or headquarters for all of us because that's the centre of our meeting points during festivals of Hari Raya of school holidays..

Here I introduce my big family.. this photo taken during Aifdilfitri 2010..because I couldn't find my 2011 pic.. heheee.. Perhaps I'll upload the most recent soon..

Understanding the other side of the world..

Came back from Genting Highland and I got sore eyes.. my right eyes is reddish and feel like popping out! I can't wear my contact lenses and I feel almost blind.. went to doctor and have to stay at home.. but it's too bored!
So today, i decided to still go to office without my lenses.. can you imagine..my left eyes power is 900 and right eyes is 800? Thanks to my dear colleague who helped me out to walk (she gotta hold my hand..) and lend me her old glasses..which only half of the my real poer. Thanks Yati! At least I don't have to put my face in front of the computer screen and when my nose can even touched the screen! At last, we went to the glasses shop to make a glass for me..and it's worth RM1700!..I almost fainted!

Looking at the computer screen too close while doing my work, and my back so painful..made me appreciate of what I have today..a complete person with 2 eyes given by God. God wants me to appreciate what He gives to me and at the same time to understand the life that the blinds people are going through..it's totally not easy!

Emcee for Prudential Top Achievers Congress, Genting Highland Malaysia

It has been a couple of years I have not being a platform emcee for such a big event of almost 5500 audience! My duty was spposed on others..but since my good friend who was supposed to be the emcee of the event is not available due to unforseen circumstances, I was offered with the task. Taking it as a responsibility, let's do it at my level best.

It was 3 of us..Perrine for English, Ellen for Mandarin and myself for Bahasa Malaysia. Since it was a last minute task, I don't even have my emcee script! Luckily Bonne from event team helped me to print it out..thanks dear! Perrine and Ellen so used of being an emcee so with their dear help everything went smoothly..feel happy and proud to be part of the event committee members.. it was a good experience anyway.. and fun eventhough a bit tiring. I know my other colleagues were working sooo hard to ensure we did the best for our agency force.

I didn't manage to take any photos as I was busy on stage.. hope to get some from my friends to be share here... Thanks..

Hey.. today is 10th Nov and I am editing this old post coz at last I have a photo to share.. cool huh? Am I looked like singing? :)

MOSAIC preparation? 33 days to go

Anyway, that was how I started this blog.. 33 days to go for MOSAIC.. many things to prepare but it's just so many things is going around.. tomorrow will be leaving for 4 days convention in Genting Highland.. hmm.. gotta find time to prepare myself anyway.. how about 3 of you guys..? Adli, Firah and Zul? Have you all done yours? heheee..

What are my preparation list?

Create blog- checked
VISA - checked
ticket - TBC
reading assignements - TBA
souvenirs - TBA
luggage - haven't think about that!
what else??? please advise.. hahahaa

What makes me start blogging?

It was all started here.. 28th March 2011.. when I receive the below email from London..

Congratulations! You have been shortlisted to attend an interview for the Mosaic International Summit 2011.

Please find further guidance attached. You will be contacted by Prudential Corporation Asia who are global partners of the Mosaic International Summit and will be conducting candidate interviews in Malaysia.

Many congratulations for progressing to this stage.

Best regards,

Victoria Bishop

International Programme Officer

Founder: HRH The Prince of Wales

Tel +44 (0)20 7566 8770

C/o Business in the Community, 137 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7RQ

MOSAIC INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT 2011 IN QATAR

  http://www.mosaicnetwork.co.uk/en_gb/portal/international-summit

In fact I missed the chance to participate or even to apply for the interview last year. 2010 Summit was held in London. Why? It was just because the dates were overlapping with my Europe tour in July last year. I can't take leave for 5 weeks directly.. I can be kicked out from my job! heheee.. but the opportunity came again this year and it was something I can't be missed to try.

I went for the interview, saw many powerful names there.. and judged by at least 3 judges .. wheeww! I just being myself, answer at my level best. The questions not that easy okay...:)

And on 21st April 2011, I got a reply which made me happy and proud of myself..

Dear Rafiqa,

Congratulations on being selected to take part in the Mosaic International Summit!

Please see the attached documents which include an agreement for you to sign and a personal details form for you to complete. Both must be returned to us by email or fax 00 (44) (0)20 7253 1877 by 4^th May. If you are not able to take up your delegate place you must inform us of this also by 4^th May.

Best regards,

Victoria Bishop

International Programme Officer

Founder: HRH The Prince of Wales

Tel +44 (0)20 7566 8770

C/o Business in the Community, 137 Shepherdess Walk, London, N1 7RQ

 And the story continues.. tomorrow..:)

When something is not working, CHANGE!

I just feel weird with my own blog at first time created yesterday.. hmmm.. then I went to a few blogs of friends..(and Thanks to Arisha, an 8 years old girl with a creative and awesome blog of her own).. I feel proud of her and I just seriously felt that why don't I learn from her? She is a brilliant girl and I learnt from her! After reading her stories, then only I understand why people blogging.. Thanks Arisha..:)

Thinking for a while of what should the title be? description? hmm.. let's make it simple.. as I love to share.., then let's make it as a Free Sharing Zone.. let's share! Yesterday's title was not working..so CHANGE!

My first time blogging..:)

Hmm.. not that bad.. all this while I was just 'facebooking' but not so into blogging.. but then when MOSAIC asked me to create my own blog last month in September (it's now 7th Oct!)..I have to! Took me sometime anyway but here it is.. perhaps a simple one.. and looking forward for a better one.. when I have time..

Last few days and weeks was quite hectic..and I almost forgot about this blog. MOSAIC preparation..? OMG.. I have to start somewhere.. excited but I really hope that I have more time..

It's 2.49am now.. gotta go.. it's Friday tomorrow and more things to do.. see ya!