Our challenges!

Many of our performers are facing great challenges while doing their best to attend each practice session... We would like to share some of their personal struggles with you...

Chang Wai Keong, 25, Group Leader A6, Bandar Sunway

My biggest personal challenge in the past few weeks has been to practice under the hot sun (the practice sessions for the Selangor performers were held in the open field at the culture centre). I suffer from a minor skin disorder which causes my skin to turn “red” like a lobster when exposed to harsh sunlight. To overcome this problem, I consulted several doctors to find a suitable medication for my skin. I was very fortunate that the medication I am using now works without any side effects to my skin. This is one my great benefit. Being able to perform in this Merdeka event is wonderful as it allows more people to know about SGM and it also gives me a chance to contribute something back to our country.

And meet the two Angels from A4...

Hui Yi and Serrene

Sua Hui Yi, 25, Performer, Group A4, Puchong

Surprisingly, being an asthmatic is not my biggest obstacle this time round. My first challenge: At the beginning of this year, I was admitted to hospital due to pneumonia. The doctors have advised me against intense exercise after I was discharged... But after half a year, my condition has improved very much and I have absolutely no worries. My second challenge: I am supposed to be overseas in August because my company wants me to learn a new system setup but because of various reasons, my training has been postponed – so I am able to be part of this event. My third challenge: My 70-year old grandmother is suffering from cancer and would like her grandchildren to be around her as much as possible. Because of the Merdeka performance practices, I don't get to spend much time with her and can only visit her after the practice on weekends. On top of all these, I have to grapple with a tight schedule as I give tuition classes to secondary school students every evening. I even have to cancel some Saturday evening classes because of the practice. Despite facing all these difficulties, I have taken up the challenge to participate in this event. I have grown tremendously from taking part in previous performances like SUKOM and Citrawarna. But this time round – it’s not only about me. A group of young boys and girls from my area are taking part in this event. I can see how much they have grown in these few weeks, and would like to see them develop into capable young people. I want to be here to give them my full support and also to watch over them.

Serrene Leong, 25, Group Leader A4, Cheras

I am very happy and honoured to be able to take part in this performance. This time round unlike in Citrawarna in 2005, we only have two months to prepare. So it’s quite a challenge for us! I think there is an expectation for SGM to come up with something great for this celebration, and I am confident that we can create history again! Personally, I am also facing various challenges in my life. Career wise, I have just started a new job in an IT firm less than a month ago, after being unemployed for eight months. At the same time, to fulfil my dream of furthering my studies, I am currently applying for a Japan government scholarship to study in Japan. My application was itself a ‘bizarre’ experience. My application forms were misplaced by the Japanese embassy staff and somehow after negotiating with the staff, I managed to get a chance to sit for a placement test and found myself being short-listed for an interview. The results will be known in August. So, I am really praying hard for this “double victory”!!

Interviewed by Braderlouie