When
Nur Atiqa Ismail reached out to ask whether I was keen to give 16-year-old
budding writers my input on effective narrative writing techniques, she also
explained that they were members of Team Johor to represent our state in the
National Essay Writing Competition.
Atiqa
introduced herself as one of the master trainers in a two-day Writing Boot Camp
organized by Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Johor or the Johor State
Education Department, held at the Pusat Kokurikulum Kem Tasek Utara.
One for the album: Peggy Loh with Team Johor
She
also provided a Google Map to this location at Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Susur 7,
and when I reviewed the map, I had a flashback to the pre-pandemic years when I
drove pass and spotted tents set up in that area for school outdoor camp
activities.
Atiqa
said that the essay writing competition was divided into two categories for
Bahasa Melayu and English, and Team Johor for English-writing comprised six
members who represented schools located in Pasir Gudang, Kota Tinggi, Tangkak,
Muar, Mersing and Johor Baru.
While
this invitation was on very short notice, I was well prepared to participate in
the training and share something that will benefit the budding writers.
My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich
Heritage was a 2017 MPH Non-Fiction Bestseller
This
was because in recent years, I have had the privilege to talk to adult groups, women
groups, youth leaders in national schools, secondary and primary schoolchildren
as well as university undergraduates in international private schools.
Atiqa
said that she used My Johor Stories for teaching narratives to her SPM
(O Level) candidates and happily declared, “I’ve always been a big fan of your
Johor Stories and your storytelling techniques.”
This
sent me on yet another flashback when my stories published in the newspapers,
were often used as English lesson teaching materials – teachers told me – in
that era when Newspapers-in-Education (NIE) was encouraged in the classroom.
The trilogy of My Johor Stories
As
Atiqa and I discussed further details, I assured her that while I do my part to
encourage and inspire, Team Johor will certainly benefit from their time with
me.
I
told her that the visual presentation on my journey to My Johor Stories
will include helpful tips that the youngsters should adopt to equip themselves
in order to produce quality writing.
For
a lively, interactive time together, I will also bring along some of my
published pieces to show the youngsters and invite questions. And so it was
decided that I would share two hours with Team Johor that morning.
Table covered by my collection of
old newspapers and My Johor Stories books
As
I pulled out my collection of published pieces, it was like a walk down the
proverbial Memory Lane.
When
I saw the stacks of yellowed pages of the Travel Times that I have kept since
2004, JBuzz/Streets Johor to the pages dedicated to My Johor Stories in
the print issues of The Iskandarian, the official newspapers of Iskandar
Malaysia, it felt good to look back on a bygone era when these original pieces
of my work shared much info with readers nationwide.
As
I pondered about how these published pieces may inspire the youngsters, I knew
that I must share with the 16-year-olds, my writing journey that went
step-by-step from writing school essays to writing copy for clients and then published
pieces in the mass media, before becoming a bestselling, published author.
In
a very short space of time, I organized all the materials for my presentation and
was ready to meet the youngsters, Atiqa and other trainers at the camp.
Meanwhile,
Atiqa offered to show me some of the written work by members of Team Johor and
sent it through by email for my review and constructive comments.
An engaging time with Team Johor
In
the training room that morning, while I was arranging my collection of old
newspapers on the table, I overheard someone exclaim in surprise to see
hardcopies of newspapers. It suddenly occurred to me that with the common use
of electronic devices, hardcopies of newspapers have indeed become a thing of
the past.
Our
time together opened with Introductions. When I invited members of Team Johor
to introduce themselves, one-by-one they volunteered their names and the
schools they represented.
They
were Nur Alya Hana Roszaidi, SMK I J Convent, Johor Baru, Ahmad Syameel Haweem
Jaiha, SMK Pasir Gudang, Ismalina Fitri Suhaimi, SM Sains Kota Tinggi, Ryhanna
Jasmine Abdul Razak, SM Sains Muar, Tangkak, Akif Zafran Zainal Fitri, SMKA
Maahad Muar, and Nurdini Aisyah U’mairah Yuzri, SM Sains Sultan Iskandar,
Mersing.
With
Atiqa and other trainers seated at the rear of this group, I kept the
youngsters engaged with my presentation. We shared a lively time of learning together
as I encouraged active participation and questions. 
Team Johor shared a beneficial time with me
In
closing, I invited them to have a closer look at my published pieces and when
they gathered around the table, they did not hesitate ask questions about some
of the stuff that I had written from my experience.
There
was just too much to share in such a short space of time but I believed that these
youngsters have received enough input to chew on for a start. They were just
starting out and have much to do to equip themselves. As they grow in knowledge
and writing skills, they would go far in their careers with the right guidance.
A
few days later, Atiqa shared with me some feedback comments that she garnered
from members of Team Johor. She said:
“Your
session was highly informative and insightful. Your expertise and experience in
the field of writing and journalism provided valuable insights and tips for the
Team to improve their writing skills and techniques.
They
found your session to be engaging and motivating as you shared practical advice
on how to engage readers. Your emphasis on the importance of research, critical
thinking and creativity in writing resonated with the Team and they appreciated
your hands-on approach to improving their writing skills.
Additionally,
your anecdotes and examples from your own writing experience added a personal
touch, making it relatable and inspiring to the Team. They also found your
feedback on their writing samples to be constructive and helpful in identifying
areas for improvement.
Overall,
the Team felt more confident and equipped to represent Johor at the National
level after attending your session.
They
expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from a seasoned writer and
journalist, and felt inspired to apply the skills and techniques they learned
to their own writing projects.”
Thank
you, Atiqa, for the privilege to encourage and inspire Team Johor to do their best
at the National level Essay Writing Competition. Best wishes for every success!
