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Bonus | Intellectual Wellness for Kids | Episode 2| Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Book Reading on “Adam’s Healing Adventures” by Madiha Saeed, MD. Illustrated by Anna Cunningham and Published by Black Rose Writing

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the Intellectual Wellness for Kids series of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

We hope that this new series will spark an interest in young children to read books at a very young age and nurture them to become readers for life as well as boost their intellectual wellness.

Just so you know, we will only be reading 5% - 9% of each selected book on this podcast as an introduction to the book.

In this second episode of this series, we’ve picked another non-fiction children’s book entitled “Adam Healing Adventures: From Sickness to Health”.

This book is written by Madiha Saeed, MD. This book is illustrated by Anna Cunningham and the publisher is Black Rose Writing.

Our book reader for this series is none other than…Azimah! Yeayyy!

Take it away, Azimah…

[Azimah] Assalamu’alaikum everyone!

Today, we’re going to read the book “Adam’s Healing Adventures: From Sickness to Health”...

[Azimah] Reads pages 1-3 of the book.

[Azimah] The end.

[Syazana] Thank you so much, Azimah. That was a really good attempt! Bravo!

Now, let’s do a quick review of the book. I have three questions for you…

[Syazana] What is the book about?

[Azimah] The book is about a boy, Adam, who has asthma. And he has eczema and he has allergies. This story is about taking care of our health and being healthy all the time.

[Syazana] So, what did you like most about the book?

[Azimah] I like the pictures. I like the words.

[Syazana] Would you recommend this book to others?

[Azimah] Yes. I would recommend this book to others so that the other people can read it to the kids, and they might find the story interesting; if they read, there’s something new, maybe they’ll like it.

[Syazana] Thank you again, Azimah!

Till we meet again in the next episode…bye!

~ End of episode~

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of August 2022.

* * *

Season 1 | Episode 33 | Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Traditional Archers Singapore and Occupational Wellness With Performing Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal III

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydne y, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Summer Groove 01” by Hardi Kamsani. July 2022. This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Summer Groove 02” by Hardi Kamsani. July 2022. This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “Bows and Arrows” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. February 2022. This work is an original contribution by the founder for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Guest Speakers

Alfyan Ariff of Traditional Archers Singapore and Faridah H A Jamal of Ethnique Musique Connections (Singapore)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Intro to Segment I]

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

Segment I | Traditional Archers Singapore

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the 33rd episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

[BGM] Jet plane

[Azimah] In Segment One of the previous episode, we shared our experience trying out archery for the first time!

[Syazana] We had so much fun with Coach Farah of Traditional Archers Singapore! We were so curious to know what motivated Coach Farah’s husband, Alfyan Ariff, to establish traditional archery in modern Singapore and why traditional archery is a great sport for families…

[Azimah] Yeah!

[Syazana, Azimah] So, let’s move on to our interview with Traditional Archers Singapore and welcome its founder, Alfyan Ariff! Woohoo!

[Syazana] May peace be upon you! What’s the first question for Brother Alfyan, Azimah?

[Azimah] Question #1: What inspired you to establish Traditional Archers Singapore?

[Alfyan] We were inspired by traditional games and also sunnah (the way of life of Prophet Muhammad, Peace Be Upon Him, and legal precedent) games which were not highlighted in the community in Singapore.

Traditional archery is one of the highly recommended games in Islam. We know that we have MODERN archery all around the world and in Singapore especially but because there is no TRADITIONAL archery in Singapore, I began to search for it through(out) the region. Then I found my teacher who is in Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, and I started from there.

In the community itself, we are known to highlight more on modern society, modern technology. So, this really inspires me, more to actually pick up traditional archery. Traditional archery comes with traditional learning.

Traditional learning is more of how we have to really be with the teacher. How I started is not entirely starting with archery itself but then, to wake up early, 4:30 in the morning to do my Tahajjud (night prayers), my najat, my all the other sunnah prayers. I started to do that at least maybe about one month before my teacher actually started to teach archery itself.

I had to do some other work like doing cucuk tanam or doing some plant(ing) work and do some other work (which) I thought was not related to archery like pulling bands. It was quite tough because it is the testing of our ego, our patience. At least about six to nine (6-9) months, I had to go through all that before the traditional archery learning actually starts.

The beautiful thing about this is that it actually lifted my own spirituality and my focus even before the archery program starts. Through the traditional archery learning, what I discovered was...there was actually a batch of Malay army that was actually part of the (Sultan) Fateh’s conquest of Constantinople or conquest of Istanbul.

Although this is not known by many people, we have seen murals which is in Romania where the first line of the army is Malay men with tanjak (traditional headgear worn by Malay boys/men).

I have an archer friend in Romania, so I asked him about these specific murals which is said to be on the churches of Romania. So, he confirmed with me on the mural and that confirmed the fact that there’s existence of the Malay army, the Malay regimen actually, in Sultan Al-Fateh’s army.

[Syazana] Hmmm…so Brother Alfyan founded Traditional Archers Singapore out of his LOVE for this sunnah sport and wanting to do his bit for SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY so as to preserve this sport from disappearing in modern Singapore.

Okay! Let’s move on to the second question…

[Azimah] Question #2: Why do you recommend archery as a sport for both Muslims and people of other faith?

[Alfyan] As we know, Nusantara itself is one of the earliest civilizations in the world, so it is sad to say in the community now there is no highlight or nothing has been brought up about traditional or instinctive way of hunting because through modernization, we have lost touch of all these.

Benefits of traditional archery

In our programs, traditional archery enhances the instinctive features of a person which is already in that person. Traditional archery is more on yourself, enhancing your capabilities rather than depending on the equipment(s).

But for traditional archery, you know, you have a bow and then you have (an) arrow. So, the main focus in traditional archery is to use your instinct or mata hati they called it in Malay.

In traditional archery also, we have features like walking while shooting or jumping while shooting. So, these actually help in your hand and mind coordination or (hand) mind and body coordination unlike rifles, you know. I mean it’s very hard to see unless you’re really in the army, then you get to walk and shoot.

As a recreational sport, in traditional archery, we can walk and shoot, jump and shoot. Then we also have running over obstacles and shoot. So, these are the ones that (actually) help you advance your instinctive features.

International competitions

[Alfyan] International competitions in traditional archery:

We have games like for example in Hungary, we have three different settings of completion.

The first day, we had a forest setting which is like hunting. They have 3D targets of bears or pigeons which are hidden but then we don’t know the actual distance of that target(s). So, it is how well you understand your bows and arrows.

Another example of setting is we shoot from the tower of a castle. We have never experienced that before in Singapore. So, in Hungary, this is what I experienced. At a height of maybe seven storeys and then shooting down. The target is directly down, and we have to do stances called Jamarkee, which is an example of shooting down the well during the war times or shooting down the castle walls where the enemy soldiers are climbing up the castle on the walls and then those archers on the walls shooting downwards. So, it’s not a straightforward shooting.

And then, we also have, like I said earlier, dynamic runs where we have to run to a certain station and while panting, we have to calm ourselves down to shoot certain targets and then run again.

Like for example in Malaysia, we did this competition called The Spartan Archery where we have to run at least 400 meters.

I myself seldom jog; you know. But then, at the end of that competition, my legs were really stressed, I couldn’t move my legs! So, I was just lying down...

My archer friends were like “Ohhh! Relax! Relax!”

I had to calm down my legs, they were really stiff at that point of time.

This is the kind of experience we joined traditional archery for.

[Azimah] Bravo!

[Azimah] Did you know that you can show your support for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast by shopping at our online shop?

[Syazana] Before we end segment one, we’d like to invite you once again to check out ASKtrioWello Shop: Apparel for Women and Kids in America at https://ASKtrioWello.Shop.Social. Free shipping for delivery in the U.S.A. for any orders above $59.

[Azimah, Azfar] Stay tuned to segment one in the next episode…

…and listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

Segment II | Occupational Wellness with Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal III

[Azimah, Syazana] Welcome back to segment two of the show!

Today is the third part of the Occupational Wellness with…

Miss Faridah Jamal from Singapore…woohoo!

[Syazana] Hello, Miss Faridah!

[Faridah] Hello! Hello, world!

[Syazana] What’s our next question for Miss Faridah, Azimah?

[Azimah, Syazana] Question #3A:

During the start of COVID-19 in 2020, did your work shift to online, work from home or remote?

During the start of COVID-19 in 2020, did your work shift to online, work from home or remote?

[Faridah] Yes, it did. At first there was a total lull between Mid-March till end of June 2020. It definitely affected my income from angklung teaching. It was for a while, quite a good time to spend at home, to do things that I never got to do. We were lucky that in Singapore, we could still go out to shop for groceries and food within our neighborhood; and to get other essential services. It was certainly very boring not to have any actual work done in schools, and definitely no performances nor social and performing arts events to attend to or to conduct. Being a very hands-on musician and music instructor/teacher, I was not very adept at Infocomm and Technology (ICT). This was a good impetus for me to learn to manage digital work and the basic equipment necessary for online work, including meetings and webinars for various interests.

[Azimah, Syazana] How long was Singapore on lockdown?

How did you come to terms with having to stay at home, quarantine, practice social distancing or no overseas travel?

[Faridah] The “circuit breaker” (partial lockdown in Singapore) pushed me to have more online communication with all my contacts. Over time, we actually enjoyed Zoom sessions as it meant we could reach out to the larger audience and global platform without spending time and money for actual traveling.

At the same time, like all others, I certainly miss traveling particularly for the Hari Raya celebrations in Malaysia – my mother and I used to go up north to spend the holidays with my brother and his family, and other relatives who live in Kuala Lumpur.

I had to cancel my business trip to Indonesia and instead order my angklung instruments to be shipped to me or the schools. The pause in leisure travel, which would usually include spa and massage sessions was definitely a snag in my joy.

I spent more time walking and exercising in the neighborhood parks. I suffered too, for a while, when swimming was not allowed.

From July onwards, after the opening of Phase 1, instructors and coaches could begin our online teaching with our students; after the academic teachers had had their first experience. It helped us to reconnect with our students and colleagues. It made us rethink our teaching methodologies and to be digitally resourceful and creative.

From August, too, many Singaporeans had started attending or conducting face-to-face events and training with restrictions in the number of participants. This was definite for us.

I attended a course in safety in food-handling which was compulsory for all volunteers wishing to serve the community – I joined the Lions of Singapore in a nationwide cookie-baking and then mooncake making for the elderly.

In November, the Ministry of Health relaxed the restrictions a little for the Ministry of Education, thus school activities could return to normal, while enforcing the regulations like compulsory mask-wearing, safe entry and social distancing. This definitely gave us much relief. It was so good to be back to work again and carry out lessons and co-curricular activities.

[Syazana] Oh! I feel you…

Alhamdulillah, the Singapore government has finally made many new changes in late 2021 and with recent changes, Singapore has returned to almost like pre-COVID times. People are now allowed to gather again in larger groups. And no more PCR or ART tests for travelers coming to Singapore. Yeayyy!

Now, what’s the next question, Azimah?

[Azimah] Question #3B:

What are you doing to make sure that you and your family members are staying healthy and engaged throughout the years?

[Faridah] We practice heightened personal hygiene, partake in regular exercise and consume more warm water and healthy food. We took advantage of the opening of nature reserves, beaches and restaurants and started going to these places at least once a week for our family getaway, and thus regained a good level of sanity and normalcy. We could receive visitors to our home according to the fixed number allowed: five (5), and then eight (8), thus it was very good for my mother and my relatives for that very important family reconnection.

[Syazana] Wow! I love what you did!

What’s next, Azimah?

[Azimah] Next. Question #3C:

Despite all the anxiety and confusion in an unpredictable world, how are you and your family moving forward and giving back to your community?

[Faridah] I am blessed to still be able to hold on to my career and work for schools. Like many others who had a big cut or loss in our salaries earlier, I later received the government’s help of a fixed, advanced salary. This gave me the golden opportunity to continue teaching my students and more importantly, to prepare them for 2021 and the Singapore Youth Festival.

My involvement with the Rotary Club of Kampong Glam (RCKG) is also inspiring me to spur on connecting with the different levels of community. At the moment my team is initiating service to the “DOT” – Daughters of Tomorrow – an NGO working for the betterment of women who are marginalized or going through a very challenging time.

[Azimah, Syazana] How exciting! Yeah!

Stay tuned to the next episode…for the concluding episode of Occupational Wellness with Faridah Jamal. Woohoo!Woohoo!

~End of Segment Two~

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of April 2022.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

Season 1 | Episode 32 | Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Archery in Singapore and Occupational Wellness With Performing Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal II

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Backsound Angklung” by Basazan Channel on YouTube. September 17, 2020 (Bandung, Indonesia). This work has no copyrights. The music artist has explicitly stated that content creators are granted permission to use it freely and has been notified by the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast. https://download1486.mediafire.com/17pubhlf94jg/gk8bb03zrq8w1vc/Backsound+Angklung+-+NO+COPYRIGHT

5. “Spring Groove 01” by Hardi Kamsani. May 2022 (New York, USA). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Guest Speaker

Faridah H A Jamal of Ethnique Musique Connections (Singapore)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2022.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Intro to Segment I]

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

Segment I | Archery in Singapore

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the 32nd episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

[BGM] Jet plane

[Azimah, Syazana] In Segment One last week, we shared about hiking in Singapore at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve… with my former colleague turned good friend, Noor.

[Syazana] Going out on that hiking trip plus lunch together was a great example of the mutual trust, respect, acceptance, integrity and love we had in our friendship which began in 1998! That’s 24 years and counting…

[Azimah] Mashaa Allah! How amazing!

[Syazana] Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah SWT.

So, Azimah, what activity shall we highlight in this episode?

[Azimah] How about Archery?!!

[Syazana] Whoa! Excellent choice!

For the past four years, Azimah has been watching Turkish movies and drama series where the actors and actresses used bows and arrows for hunting and in battle fields. She’s been asking for a lesson in archery for so long!

[Azimah, Azfar] Yeah! Yup, I know…

[Syazana] Azfar and I wanna make you feel respected, accepted and loved! Afterall, Respect, Acceptance and Love are three of the six family values in the T.R.A.I.L.S. acronym.

So, during our recent home trip to Singapore in February, Azfar and I found some time to shoot arrows with Azimah at the Traditional Archers Singapore (TAS) located in Punggol.

[Azimah] Awww! I’m so touched! Huggy!

[Syazana] Since 2011, TAS exists to rediscover and revive traditional Asiatic archery in Singapore. They organise meet and greet sessions, conduct formal courses and offer competitive coaching for pathways to traditional archery festivals worldwide.

Now Azimah: Tell us about your experience shooting arrows there.

[Azimah] First of all, we had a funny, cute and friendly coach. Her name is Farah. I want to thank sister Farah for coaching us! Woohoo!

[Syazana] Yeah! I agree 💯 percent. Coach Farah is the sister to our podcast guest speaker and fitness guru, Coach Zarina, from NYC.

[Azimah, Syazana] Big thanks to Coach Zarina for connecting us to Coach Farah! Yeayyy!

[Syazana] Next, what skills and knowledge did you gain from the 1-hour archery lesson?

[Azimah] I learned a few things in archery. In this episode, I wanna share that I learned how to string the bow properly, how to pull the arrow correctly and how to shoot the arrows and aim at the target.

[Syazana] Hmmm…I remembered that we all learned to be patient when we were trying to pick up a new skill and acquire new knowledge in archery.

[Azimah] Okay, let’s listen to the audio recordings…

Woohoo! Enjoy!

[Audio Recording #1, #2 and #3]

[Syazana] So, Azimah: Did you feel happy that your dream to take a lesson in archery finally came true?

[Azimah] Of course! Thank you! Muah! Muah!

[Azimah, Syazana] Did you know that you can show your support for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast by shopping at our online shop?

Before we end segment one, we’d like to invite you once again to check out ASKtrioWello Shop: Apparel for Women and Kids in America at https://ASKtrioWello.Shop.Social. Free shipping for delivery in the U.S.A. for any orders above $59.

[Azimah, Azfar] Stay tuned to segment one in the next episode…

…and listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

Segment II | Occupational Wellness With Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal

[Azimah, Syazana] Welcome back to segment two of the show!

Today is the second part of the Occupational Wellness with…

Miss Faridah Jamal from Singapore…woohoo!

[Syazana] Hello, Miss Faridah!

[Faridah] Hello, world! Thank you for inviting me.

[Syazana] Hey, Azimah! What’s the next question for Miss Faridah, The Angklung Queen of Singapore?

[Azimah] Question #2A

Which of the nine dimensions of wellness have the greatest impact on you?

[Faridah] Among the nine dimensions of wellness, those that have the greatest impact on me are:

1) Physical

2) Emotional

3) Intellectual

4) Social and Cultural

[Azimah] Question #2B

How does your passion for traditional musical instruments like Angklung and other percussion promote wellness for you and your students?

[Faridah] Firstly, as an educator, I must be physically fit and be conscious of my health and fitness.

This gives me the confidence to be present at every or almost every training session.

Playing these instruments, in fact, any instrument, requires some level of physical fitness, agility and adaptability.

[Syazana] How true that is!

[Faridah] Every session, I will apply the basic workouts that are relevant to their instrumental skills development.

Within at least two months of learning any of these instruments, my students would be able to demonstrate some acceptable level of skills and adaptability.

[Azimah] Woohoo! Super!

[Faridah] Cultural Wellness is the next arena and definitely a must in teaching and learning traditional music.

[Azimah] Ooh! That is something new that I learned today!

[Faridah] I share my knowledge and passion in my own Malay and Indonesian language, culture, history and music, and explain the important nuances which identify that particular music or culture.

[Azimah] How exciting!

[Faridah] I also give my students the advantage of sharing their own ethnic culture and interests in other cultures and music to highlight the differences or similarities.

[Azimah] That’s fantastic!

[Azimah, Syazana] To find out more about Miss Faridah and her career as a performing artist-entrepreneur…

Stay tuned to the next episode! Woohoo!

~End of Segment Two~

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Audible, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of May 2022.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

Intellectual Wellness for Kids 1 | Book Reading & Review | Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Intellectual Wellness for Kids 1 | Book Reading on “Celebrate The World: Ramadan” by Hannah Eliot

Notes

This book is illustrated by Rashin and published by Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division (New York, USA).

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2022.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the Intellectual Wellness for Kids series of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

We hope that this new series will spark an interest in young children to read books at a very young age, nurture them to become readers for life as well as boost their intellectual wellness.

In the first episode of this series, we’ve picked a book from “Celebrate The World” series by the publisher, Little Simon, entitled “Ramadan”. It is written by author Hannah Eliot and illustrated by Rashin.

Our book reader for this series is none other than…Azimah! Yeayyy! Take it away, Azimah…

[Azimah] Assalamu’alaikum everyone. So, today we’re gonna read a book called “Ramadan”...

[Book reading by Azimah.]

[Azimah] The end.

[Syazana] Thank you so much, Azimah! That was a really good attempt! Bravo!

So, what did you like most about the book?

[Azimah] I like the book, the pictures and what it means to us as Muslims. We help with charity, zakat (alms), sadaqah (donation for the needy) and we pray Taraweeh (special night prayer in Ramadan).

[Azfar] Surah Al-Fateha (Verse 1-3 from The Quran recited in Taraweeh Prayer with extended families in Singapore.)

[Syazana] Till we meet again in the next episode…bye!

~ End of episode~

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of May 2022.

* * *

Season 1 | Episode 31| Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Hiking in Singapore and Occupational Wellness With Performing Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Tweets & Sounds of Singapore 1” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. January 2022 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Tweets & Sounds of Singapore 2” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. January 2022 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Guest Speaker

Faridah H A Jamal of Ethnique Musique Connections (Singapore)

Special Appearance

Noor Omar Ismail

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2022.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Intro to Segment I]

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

Segment I | Home Trip To Singapore

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the 31st episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

[BGM] Jet plane

[Azimah] Last week, we talked briefly about our home trip to Singapore.

[Syazana] And we also shared TEN travel tips to Singapore during this unprecedented COVID-19 era.

[Azimah] In this episode, we shall talk about an activity we did in Singapore…

[Syazana] So, which activity will you be highlighting today?

[Azimah] Hiking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve!

[Syazana] Okay, let’s listen to the audio recordings…

[Azimah] Woohoo! Enjoy!

[Audio Recording #1: Hike up]

[Audio Recording #2: Animal discovery]

[Audio Recording #3: Museum]

[Audio Recording #4: Lunch at Al-Azhar Restaurant]

[Syazana, Azimah] Before we end segment one, we’d like to invite you once again to support…the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast by shopping at our online shop!

Check out ASKtrioWello Shop: Apparel for Women and Kids in America at https://asktriowello.shop.social. Free shipping for delivery in the U.S.A. for any orders above $59.

[Azimah, Azfar] Stay tuned to segment one in the next episode…

…and listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

Segment II | Occupational Wellness with Artist-Entrepreneur Faridah Jamal

[Azimah] Welcome to segment two of the show!

[Syazana] Let’s give a shout out to…

[Azimah]…our new special guest, Miss Faridah Jamal from Singapore…woohoo!

[Syazana] Hello, Miss Faridah! May peace be upon you!

[Faridah] Hello, world! Thank you for inviting me.

[Syazana] Can you guess when was the very first time I met Miss Faridah, The Angklung Queen of Singapore?

[Azimah] Hmmm…At Raffles Girls’ Secondary School, right!

[Syazana] You’re right, Azimah! Back then I was only 13 years old. My best friend, Norain, and I joined the school’s Angklung Orchestra as a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA). Angklung is a musical instrument made of bamboo and has its origin from Indonesia. Miss Faridah was the pioneer Angklung Instructor back then and she is still teaching at RGS and many other schools too. Under her expertise, RGS and many schools had won awards. I recalled that we won a Distinction Award in the Singapore Youth Festival in 1987.

[Azimah] Wow! Woohoo!

[Syazana] We were so lucky to get a chance to meet Miss Faridah during our recent home trip last February. We met at Far East Plaza at Orchard Road and went to ABC restaurant. I remembered I had a famous Indian dish called “Mee Kuah” which is noodles in red gravy.

[Azimah] Aha, yes! I remembered that!

[Syazana] Now, let’s get to the first question for Miss Faridah today…

[Azimah] Question #1

Tell us about who you are and what you love to do in your professional and personal life.

My name is Faridah Jamal. I am a Singaporean with an Indonesian heritage. I am the Founder-Director of Ethnique Musique Connections; Angklung music instructor/conductor and arranger/composer.

I have always loved to teach. My two major loves are the English Language (EL) and Performing Arts (Music and Drama). I graduated with a Bachelor of Education (TESL – Teaching of English as a Second Language) from the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in 1990, with the hope of teaching English in Malaysia, as there was a great need for EL teachers there. After graduation, however, I decided to return to Singapore to serve as Creative Writer and then, Senior Editor and Head of Art and Editorial Department of the Bookworm Consultants Pte Ltd, working on fiction and non-fiction works for children. Meanwhile, I was teaching angklung part-time on Saturdays in my alma mater, Raffles Girls’ Secondary School.

[Syazana] In case you’ve never heard of it, Angklungs are Indonesian bamboo rattles.

[Faridah] The realization that there was not a single full-time angklung music instructor in Singapore and the passion in this unique art pushed me to carve a totally new career for myself to serve schools and the community.

[Syazana] Ooh!

[Faridah] Thus, in 1993, I became the pioneer in Angklung music-teaching, helping schools to establish angklung ensembles, to develop my own brand of angklung-teaching methodology and music resources as well as to train new instructors. In 2003, I established my business entity: Ethnique Musique Connections to formalise my music business.

[Syazana] Wow! I know from experience that it takes a lot of courage for anyone to start his or her own business. In case you’re curious to know about Angklung, you can listen to some of the Angklung Ensemble performances by schools taught by Miss Faridah Jamal on YouTube.

Check out this link to listen to two famous Indonesian songs, Dayung Sampan and Lenggang Kangkong conducted by her during a performance by the Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) at https://youtu.be/k4xjnE7WxzQ. Enjoy!

[Azimah] How about your personal life, Miss Faridah?

[Faridah] In my personal life, I continue with my music interest: listening to various musical genres, sourcing for musical ideas and music scores, arranging others’ works and composing new music.

I love physical activities and the outdoors too. I swim at least once a week, go to the gym or do my fitness work at home and in the parks; as well as walking and hiking. Being in tune with nature is most

therapeutic, inspiring and rejuvenating.

I also love attending performing arts events especially to support my friends’ performances or productions and to learn from international performers.

As one of the charter members of the Rotary Club of Kampong Gelam (RCKG) and the Community Service Chair, I am happy working with my fellow Rotarians to serve the community in various ways.

[Syazana] Hmmm… I think you have such an exciting personal and professional life, Miss Faridah!

[Azimah] Awesome! Bravo! Woohoo!

[Syazana] Do you know what I love most about her?

[Azimah] Hmmm…Her smile?

[Syazana] More than her genuine smile, I love her warm, bubbly personality and the way she taught us: firm yet kind!

[Azimah] Yeah! She is kind with compliments too! I remembered when we were chatting over lunch, Miss Faridah said: “Azimah, you asked a very smart question!”

[Syazana] Oh yeah! I was so delighted to hear that! It means so much coming from her! It makes special needs teens like Azimah feel more confident of herself!

[Azimah, Syazana] To find out more about Miss Faridah and her career as a performing artist-entrepreneur…

Stay tuned to the next episode! Woohoo!

~End of Segment Two~

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of April 2022.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

Notes

Follow award winning performing artist-entrepreneur, Miss Faridah Jamal of Ethnique Music Connections, Singapore's pioneer full time Angklung Instructor on Instagram @fjangklung and FJ Angklungqween Facebook Page @angklungqween.

Season 1 | Episode 30 | Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title:

Home Trip to Singapore and Occupational Wellness With Author-Publisher Hidayah Amin VI

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Tweets and Wellness Walks In Ballston Lake” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. September 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Spring 1” by Hardi Kamsani. April 2022 (New York, U.S.A.) This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “Spring 2” by Hardi Kamsani. April 2022 (New York, U.S.A.) This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Guest Speaker

Hidayah Amin of Helang Books (Singapore)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2022.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Intro to Segment I]

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

Segment I | Home Trip To Singapore

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] We’re still in the first season of the podcast and hey, you are listening to the 30th episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

We’re back in our new mini studio in Ballston Lake, New York and we’ve said goodbye to the cold, winter weather and welcomed the warmer spring!

[BGM] Jet plane

Did you know that we took a 5-week break in late January to February 2022 to go on a home trip to Singapore? We’re so grateful to be reunited with our one and only boy turned firefighter, Azfar, who is also our podcast co-host.

So Azimah: Did you enjoy our trip back home?

[Azimah] Of course! It was a blast!

[Syazana] To all our listeners: Did you travel overseas during COVID-19 when most borders are now open?

If so, why not share your experiences traveling during the global health pandemic on our podcast?

[Azimah] To continue with our 1st year anniversary celebration, TWO entries from the U.S. will each receive a $20 Hannaford Supermarket Gift Card.

And another TWO winners from Singapore will receive a mystery gift worth $20.

[Syazana] Send your travel story with your NAME, MAILING ADDRESS plus an AUDIO file recorded via Voice Memo or Voice Note OR TEXT to our email: HELLO@ASKTRIOWELLO.COM.

You could also send a DM or PM to our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts @ASKtrioWello by April 15th, 2022.

We had a fabulous time during our home trip to Singapore.

So in this segment, we’d like to show some love and promote social responsibility by coming up with a summary of travel tips to keep in mind if you’re planning to go to Singapore…

[Azimah, Syazana] Okay! Here we go…

1. Check out for the latest updates on COVID-19 regulations in Singapore regularly. What we went through at the Immigration Checks in January to February 2022 might likely be different in the coming months;

2. Book a Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flight ticket with world class airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, ANA as EARLY as possible to get better fares, seats and especially to avoid being quarantined upon arrival in Singapore;

3. Get ALL travel-related paperwork done BEFORE your flight departure and get it ready in a handy file. Download the Trace Together app and the HealthHub app as these apps will be useful when you want to visit places that require proof of your vaccination status and for contact tracing purposes;

4. Get your PCR/ART (SWAB) test done according to the current requirement at least within 24 hours BEFORE your departure and upon arrival in Singapore;

5. Check for weather forecasts and prepare for possible flight cancellation such as snowstorms and others;

6. Pack your luggages several days BEFORE your flight departure and not at the last minute. Make sure that you weigh all your luggages for check-in and hand carry so that it does NOT exceed the weight limit. For hand carry luggages, do not bring any liquid or prepare a Checklist so that you do NOT miss any items that you want to bring along such as passport, Green Card or Visa, vaccination certificates, wallet, neck pillow, pens, a set of clothings for change, medication or vitamins etcetera;

7. Check-in to your flight online wherever possible and at the counter at least THREE hours before your flight departure;

8. Put on your mask at the airports and on the plane except during meal times;

9. Upon arrival at Changi Airport, check for relevant information regarding any PCR/ART test requirement. In January 2022, travelers were required to pre-book a PCR test to be taken upon arrival at Changi Airport before the flight departure to Singapore.

10. If you plan to visit Singapore and stay for more than 30 days, you might want to get your vaccination records ingested into the National Immunisation Registry. So you’ll have to go for a serology test at a clinic that can assist you with this. Many requirements have changed or had been lifted recently so check back on the latest requirements with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on their website at www.ica.gov.sg.

[Syazana] Now, let’s move on to your travel stories. What did you like most about your home trip, Azimah?

[Azimah] Hmmm…the best part of the trip was to spend quality time with my one and only brother, Azfar, my grandpa, my uncles and aunts as well as other relatives and close friends.

[Syazana] Yeah! We’ve not been back in Singapore since the first quarter of 2020 and two years is a long time so we had lots to catch up with our loved ones.

[Azimah] Let’s listen to a few outdoor recordings that we managed to do while we were in Singapore!

[Syazana] Yup! In this episode, you’ll hear about the various modes of transport that we took to reach Singapore, especially public transportation such as the plane ride, subway or MRT train rides and bus rides.

You’ll also find out about our dining adventures in this episode.

In the next few episodes, you’ll hear about places of attractions in Singapore that are fun and exciting from Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for hiking, to Gardens By The Bay in Marina, East Coast Park, Changi Village.

[Azimah] Plus bowling and a lesson in traditional archery…

[Syazana] …with the Singapore Traditional Archers which was inspired by the excellent archery club inherited from the Ottoman Empire in Turkey.

[Azimah] Woohoo! Enjoy!

[Audio Recording]

[Syazana, Azimah] Before we end segment one, we’d like to invite you again to support the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast by shopping at our NEW online shop!

Check out ASKtrioWello Shop: Apparel for Women and Kids in America at https://asktriowello.shop.social. Free shipping for delivery in the U.S.A. for any orders above $59.

[Azimah, Azfar, Syazana] Stay tuned to segment one in the next episode…

[Azfar] …and listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

Segment II | Occupational Wellness With Author-Publisher Hidayah Amin IV

[Azimah] Welcome to segment two of the show!

Today is the last and final episode on Occupational Wellness with Hidayah Amin!

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

[Hidayah] Thank you!

[Syazana] In the last episode, Hidayah had shared the stories behind her children’s books.

Azimah, we mentioned that you should talk about the books you’ve read and share any learning points with our listeners, right?

[Azimah] Yeah, sure!

[Syazana] While we were in Singapore, we managed to visit Wardah Books, a bookstore located in the historic Kampong Glam that sells many books written by Hidayah Amin.

So, we bought several books including the book on Malay Kuih and the children’s book inspired by Singapore’s legendary tales, the Malay Annals.

In the future, we plan to have a new series on Heritage: Traditional cakes, cookies and desserts as well as a Read & Review series for children.

But that’s for our future episodes and we will restructure our podcast episodes into shorter durations and series format.

But now, let’s hear from Hidayah Amin on what advice she has for teens and parents in helping teens pursue their dream careers or jobs.

Take it away, Hidayah!

[Hidayah] For those who are keen to learn writing or want to become an author-entrepreneur or to even want to be in the publishing industry, what advice would I give?

Tip #1 Be very clear about your intentions and purpose

First you need to be very clear why you’re doing this.

I can only advise you based on my experience because I was rejected. And I was determined to have my story out because I know how important my book is…I mean, the Gedung Kuning book.

Even now after what I’ve gone through, if I had to go through it again, I will go through again because I see the importance, right. So, you need to be very clear about your intentions: Why are you doing this?

Do you want to do this because you think you want to be the next J. K. Rowling?

Do you think you’ll make lots of money? So if you’re going in for the money, you’ll be disappointed. Even J. K. Rowling was poor for many, many years, struggling when she was writing. You know, you’ll face rejections and all that.

But I think the first thing you need to ask yourself honestly:

Why do you want to be a writer?

Or if you want to be like me: Set up my own publishing company? Then you see there’s also the business aspect you need to think about.

It’s not easy: you need to ask yourself really, really honestly and sincerely why you want to do this.

If you want to do this for money, I will tell you to forget it. If you want to do it for fame, nobody is gonna care, nobody will know you. There’ll be lots of wannabe writers. You need to know what sets you apart from them.

So because I have to take care of my father at home, it gives me the flexibility to be my own boss. I can arrange my own time so that I can take my father for his medical appointments and all that. That’s why I’m also doing this…partly.

My great grandfather was very successful. I actually asked my grandmother:

What are the secrets to his (my grandfather) success?

So I’m sharing this with you and I’m also trying to emulate (him).

Tip #2: Try NOT to be in debt

He said: You try NOT to be in debt. Don’t have debts. If you cannot afford it, you don't do it; you wait!

He paid, for Gedung Kuning in 1912, cash SGD$37,000. That’s a few millions in today’s world. Because you know during that time in 1912 there was no bank loan and all that.

So he said “Try not to be in debt because if you don’t have debts, at least you can live. If you have debts and you don’t have a job, how are you going to pay for all these?”

If I don’t have enough resources, I don’t do it first. It’s okay, I’m not in a rush.

Why are you in a rush? You have to ask yourself that, okay! Don’t be in debt.

Tip #3 Be ethical in your dealings

You need to be ethical in your dealings.

My great grandfather paid his staff well. In fact, when I did the interview for my book, right, when they knew who my great grandfather was, they were so respectful because my great grandfather treated their family or those who work with them well. So you need to be ethical. You need to pay your staff well. You need to treat people well. Be ethical in your dealings.

Tip #4 Have integrity

To me, the most important value—the six values of T.R.A.I.L.S. (Trust. Respect. Acceptance. Integrity. Love. Social responsibility) is INTEGRITY. You need to have integrity.

You know my great grandfather? If you read the Gedung Kuning book, there are people who stole his designs and made their own belts!

During that time, there was no trademark logo, patent or whatever. So how did he deal with these people? So things like these, you must have that integrity (again).

Ah yeah! The other thing my grandmother said, my great grandfather told her that if you want to start your business, you have to tell yourself that you’re willing to be poor for the next five (5) years.

If you think you’re ready, if you think you can handle being poor for the first five years of your business life, then you go for it.

If you think you cannot hack it, then forget it!

So when I really rehash or rebuild Helang Books, I told myself:

Look! I don’t think I’m gonna make money. I asked myself: Am I prepared to be poor for the next five (5) years? Am I willing? And the answer is YES. So during that five (5) years, (you know) when I did all my books, and (you know) I said “It’s okay if the books don’t sell but we must ensure there is a certain standard, you must do the branding well because these things are important. (These books) It has a message.

Tip # 5: For parents, show emotional support to your children

As parents, you may not agree with your children’s decision but you know, if your children managed to convince you that they are doing the right thing, I think you should give them emotional support.

And if, even if they fail, please do not say “I told you so.”

Just your emotional support, being there for them means so much!

Like my family, they will come. They will all come, they will sit there and they will support. They will even buy my books!

I said “Don’t need to buy; I will give it to you.”

They said “No, no, no! We want to support (you)!”

So I think it means a lot!

Tip #6: Don’t compete with anybody but yourself

Don’t compete with anybody please! My advice to you is don’t compete with other people. You compete with yourself. That’s all. And this is not a 100m dash. This is a marathon. Life is a journey. When we are born, we don’t automatically run. You crawl first and then you run. It’s okay. Take your time.

Tip #7: Remember the THREE basic rules (IIP)

You know I tell my students:

You can do whatever you like as long as it is not (i) illegal, (ii) immoral, (iii) against any religious belief, against your principles. You just do it. So these three (3).

Go for it!

[Azimah] That is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and your useful advice on occupational wellness, Hidayah!

Stay tuned to the next episode…

~ End of Segment II ~

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, LIKE US on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of April 2022.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

Notes

Helang Books is an imprint of Archipelago Consultancy,

a Singapore-based consultancy providing high-quality services in the areas of Research, Heritage, Education and Creativity. Helang Books has carved its niche in publishing important history and heritage books, as well as award-winning children’s literature.

Find us on FB, IG, Twitter, YouTube.

Season 1 | Episode 29 | Show Notes & Transcript

Episode Title: Podcast First Year Anniversary & NS Life at the Singapore Civil Defence Force | Occupational Wellness With Author-Publisher Hidayah Amin V

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Tweets and Wellness Walks In Ballston Lake” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. September 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “New Year Groove 01” by Hardi Kamsani. January 2022 (New York, U.S.A.) This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “New Year Groove 02” by Hardi Kamsani. January 2022 (New York, U.S.A.) This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Guest Speaker

Hidayah Amin of Helang Books (Singapore)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or physical trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2022.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

[Intro]

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

[Intro to Segment I]

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

Segment I | T.R.A.I.L.S To A New Neighborhood

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the 29th episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo, Azfar and Azimah.

[Syazana] Whoa! Time flies so quickly. We’ve said “Good bye!” to 2021 more than two weeks ago.

We’ve said “Hello, 2022!”and reflected on the many blessings we received from Almighty God, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.

[Azimah] We hope you had a good start to a brand new year!

[Syazana] If you’ve been following our social media posts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, you’ll know that we’re celebrating our 1st Anniversary of the podcast this month of January with giveaways! We want to show our love and appreciation to you, our loyal listeners and supporters!

Do you know that our top podcast listeners are from the U.S.A. and Singapore?

[Azimah] Yup! I know…

[Syazana] So, for January and February, the giveaway is open to U.S. and Singapore residents!

[Azimah] Cool! To enter the giveaway, you have to answer any TWO of the THREE questions:

[Syazana] What’s the first question, Azimah?

[Azimah] What is your favorite episode and why?

[Syazana] What’s the second question?

[Azimah] Name any ONE guest speaker who was featured in the podcast.

[Syazana] And what’s the third question?

[Azimah] What aspect of wellness and productivity would you like us to include in future episodes?

[Syazana] Send your entry with your NAME, MAILING ADDRESS plus an AUDIO file recorded via Voice Memo or Voice Note OR TEXT to HELLO@ASKTRIOWELLO.COM OR send a DM or PM to our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts @ASKtrioWello by February 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM.

[Azimah] TWO winners from the U.S. will each receive a $20 Hannaford Supermarket Gift Card and another TWO winners from Singapore will receive a mystery gift worth $20.

[BGM] Jet plane

[Syazana] Hey! Did you hear the sound of jet planes flying in the air again? You know who I’m thinking of right now?

[Azimah] Yo! What’s up, my bro?

[Syazana] Let’s listen to a few past recordings in December 2021 by our co-host and NSman, Mohamed Azfar, from the 58th Section Commander Course (SCC) in the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

[Azimah] Woohoo!

[Recording #1: NS Life]

[Recording #2: Year-end Outing To Downtown Orchard Road ]

[Syazana, Azimah] Thank you, ibni, my son! Love, hugs and kisses! Muahhh! With God’s will, we will certainly see you soon!

[Syazana, Azimah] Before we end segment one, we’d like to invite you again to support the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast by shopping at our NEW online shop!

Check out ASKtrioWello Shop: Apparel for Women and Kids in America at https://asktriowello.shop.social. Free shipping for delivery in the U.S.A. for any orders above $59.

[Azimah, Azfar, Syazana] Stay tuned to segment one of the next episode...and listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

~ End of Segment II ~

Segment II | Occupational Wellness With Author-Publisher Hidayah Amin IV

[Azimah] Now it’s time to welcome our special guest...Author-Publisher...Hidayah Amin.

[Azfar] Welcome to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

[Syazana] Welcome to segment two of the show on Occupational Wellness with Hidayah Amin!

[Hidayah] Thank you!

[Syazana] In the last episode, Hidayah had talked about

the non-fiction books published by Helang Books. Azimah, let’s move on to the next question for Hidayah…

[Azimah] Hi, Hidayah! Can you tell us more about the stories behind the children’s books that you published?

[Syazana] Yeah! We’ve heard about The Mango Tree, The Cure..

[BGM] Sounds of Nature/Tweets

[Hidayah] So I did not like the Mango Tree, Minah Meets Cambridge. Minah Meets Cambridge is basically about my journey, experience as a Malay girl—a Malay girl from Singapore who studied at Cambridge University. So I wanted to write about my experience but it’s in a whimsical, imaginative adventure to inspire other girls, you know, to aim high and go for their dreams.

The other books I did is the “Little Kids, Big Ideas”.

That is an inclusive book where we incorporate braille and tactile and of course the fonts that we use are suitable for people with dyslexia. In fact I think I’m the first author, the first publisher, to use this.

We approached the designer of this font, we actually called Holland and, you know, we talked to him and we said “Hey! We would like to use your font!”, you know, and he said “Okay.”

I’m proud to say that we explored, we are the first publisher to explore it and to come out with this inclusive book which no other publisher in Singapore do it because

#1 It’s expensive!

#2 There’s no market and nobody could be bothered to help come out (with) inclusive books where the blind and people with all abilities or disabilities can read together.

We have three titles:

1. Hang Nadim and the Garfish

2. Sir Maguang and the Giant Jar

3. Siti Wan Kembang: That’s about an orphan princess from Kelantan, who later on became the queen of Kelantan.

These are series that actually tell kids that they may be little but their ideas matter. You know even (though) they are little kids, they have big ideas.

[Azimah] Oh wow!

[Hidayah] And of course we have The Rain Tree.

The Rain Tree was written by my editor actually because she was inspired after reading my Mango Tree.

So, The Rain Tree…because Singapore has lots of rain trees and this tree planting campaign…

Because like I said, I love gardening, I love the environment, I love trees.

[Azimah] I mentioned before that I’ve read the book, My Name is Mikail. I have Cerebral Palsy.

[Syazana] I think that book was from the I Am Unique series.

[Hidayah] The other pride and joy is the I Am Unique Series. It’s about kids with disabilities, special needs kids.

[Azimah] Woohoo!

[Hidayah] I think they are forgotten in Singapore or they’re hidden somewhere, nobody sees them.

It started three years ago with the book, My Name is Nadia. I have autism. It’s actually bilingual. I got to know a friend of my brothers who have special needs kids. In fact, she has four kids and all four are special needs.

You think you’re unfortunate but then again, there are people with worse off condition.

We recently launched, in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day, My Name is Alicia. I have down syndrome, also based on a real child.

And I didn’t even think about this series to go on and then somehow it kinda snowballed and people got to know about it.

[Azimah, Syazana] Oh wow! How exciting!

[Applause]

[Azimah] Woohoo! Thank you for thinking about special needs people and making us feel welcome in this world!

[Syazana] Masha’Allah! I love your sense of purpose behind your chosen career as an author publisher.

Azimah, let’s get a few of those children’s books by Helang Books for your class library.

[Azimah] Yeah! I think they’ll love it because they love to learn something new everyday and also about other cultures.

[Syazana] That’s wonderful! Special needs teens learning new things everyday…good job!

[Azimah] Thank you, Hidayah, for sharing the stories behind your children’s books.

[Syazana] Azimah loves reading books that represent her. Do you know how challenging it is to be someone like Azimah?

[Azimah, Syazana] It’s tough but I’ll survive, insha’Allah. God willing!

Azimah is a triple minority who is at a higher risk of discrimination. She is…

1. A special needs student;

2. Asian; and

3. A Female Muslim.

So, let’s give her the special space to amplify her voice! Azimah: Why don’t you talk about the books you’ve read and share any learning points with our listeners, especially those who have children or teens?

[Azimah, Syazana] So stay tuned to the next episode with the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast and Hidayah Amin…woohoo! (both Azimah & Syazana).

~ End of Segment II ~

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We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Audible, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of January 2022.

~ End of episode ~

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Notes

Helang Books is an imprint of Archipelago Consultancy,

a Singapore-based consultancy providing high-quality services in the areas of Research, Heritage, Education and Creativity. Helang Books has carved its niche in publishing important history and heritage books, as well as award-winning children’s literature.

Find us on FB, IG, Twitter, YouTube.

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

SEASON 1 | EPISODE 20 | SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies for Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow IV

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Shinjuku 1” by Hardi Kamsani. June 10, 2021. This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Sounds of Nature” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. January 4, 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

7. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New Jersey” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

8. “Birds and Cicadas In Milton, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or personal trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the twentieth episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo: Azfar and Azimah.

Do you remember what we talked about in segment one last week?

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh, yes! We talked about Eid al-Fitr celebration for Muslims and visiting our friends in New Jersey and New York City. Yeah! I remember!

[Syazana] Wonderful recall!

Do you know that Father’s Day is around the corner?

[Azfar] Yup! I know!

[Syazana] Let’s talk about what you appreciate most about your dad!

[Azimah] What I appreciate about my dad is that we go out, do things together and he does cooking and barbecue especially during summer. He’s good at barbecuing like grilling the chicken and lamb and everything else. What I like about my dad is that he is my movie buddy! We like to watch movies, all of the Dreamworks animation productions, all the movies and dramas are both good.

[Azfar] What I really appreciate most about my dad is his diligence in taking care of our family especially working lots of hours and working overtime so that we can afford to have vacations quite often even though it’s quite difficult in these times because of the pandemic. But we do get a chance once in a while to get out and relax, wind ourselves down. Get out of your busy life and just relax. It’s, of course, very good for your mental health as well, and overall wellness.

[Syazana] It’s good that you both know the good things that your dad has been doing all these years. Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah.

Last week, our family had another short getaway to New Jersey. It was a 2-day/1-night stay at a hotel in Wayne. We went shopping for some apparel, halal meat, groceries and dined at restaurants.

Let’s listen to a short recording we did at a Turkish restaurant that served pide and pizza.

[Audio recording at New Jersey]

[Syazana] That was a short but good break and excellent for our mental wellness. I’m grateful that your dad loves to drive and take us on long road trips to discover new places, people and culture. Traveling is one family activity that has several benefits:

Firstly, it strengthens the love we have for each other;

Secondly, it gives us an opportunity to discover and understand each other’s character better: the good, the bad and the ugly;

Thirdly, it promotes emotional, social and mental wellness.

Your dad, my dad (your grandpa in Singapore): they both have done a lot for the family. Sometimes, they might disagree with us or sometimes they did not buy expensive things and so on. Nevertheless, it is timely to express our gratitude to Almighty God for gifting them to us and to show our appreciation to the men in our family.

To all our listeners out there, tell us: What do you appreciate most about your dad? What did you do to show your appreciation to him? Send your text or voice memo via email to hello@asktriowello.com. You could be the next winner of our ASKtrioWello Club VIP membership giveaway.

We’ll also be starting our Fitness & Readers group LIVE via Facebook Group on June 26th at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. That will be Saturday in New York. More details will be released via our website at www.asktriowello.com.

[Syazana] That's it for segment one this week.

[Azimah] Stay tuned to the next episode…

[Azfar] And listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

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SEGMENT II | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies For Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow (Part 4 of 4)

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

[Syazana] Hey! We’re back in segment two of the podcast! This week, we’ll continue with the concluding topic on occupational and intellectual wellness with author and architect, Ivy Ngeow.

In the pursuit to achieve your career goals, I had mentioned in the previous episode that you can try to select careers that best match your personality and expectations. Your career choices will have an impact on your occupational and intellectual wellness as well as your mental wellness. Do you know what you’re good at? What are your strengths?

[Azimah] I’m good at...making people smile and laugh! And I’m quite good at handling little kids!

[Azfar] I have a passion for learning, memorizing the holy Quran and other useful knowledge. And I’m also quite good at teaching little boys the Quran either at the Masjid or mosque and online. I’m also very interested in the field of Psychology and I plan to major in this subject in college! I love the brain, neuroscience and studying human behavior and interactions with the world around us!

[Syazana] Do you want to “Bring Your Strengths to Life & Live More Fully?”

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh yes! Of course! What’s the first personality test?

[Syazana] Come join over 15 million people who have taken the only FREE, scientific survey to identify your character strengths by VIA Institute On Character. Visit their website at https://www.viacharacter.org/

[Azfar] The VIA Survey of Character Strengths is a free self-assessment that takes less than 15 minutes and provides a wealth of information to help you understand your best qualities.

[Syazana] The self-assessment is FREE with two options either the VIA Youth Survey if you are between 10-17 years old OR the VIA Adult Survey if you are 18 years old and above. So, check it out!

Notes: If you want more details, VIA Reports (available for a small fee) provide personalized, in-depth analysis of your free results, including actionable tips to apply your strengths to find greater well-being.

[Azfar] Are there any other alternative personality tests to help with career choices?

[Syazana] Yes! There are plenty out there. I would suggest Career Explorer which uses four dimensions of career fit:

*Workplace

*History

*Interests

*Personality

Check it out at https://www.careerexplorer.com/career-test/

[Azimah] Now it’s time to welcome our special guest…Ivy Ngeow!

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

[Ivy] Thank you!

[Azimah] We’ve listened to all your career tips and strategies in the past three episodes.

[Azfar] Do you have any advice for parents in supporting teens like us in choosing our career goals?

[Ivy] Parents should encourage and support their children throughout whatever their dreams might be. They are NOT your dreams. Respect them. Trust them. Trust is worth more than love because trust is having to let go of your personal agenda.

[Azimah] What is your advice for parents who have children with special needs kids like me?

[Ivy] For children with special needs, I would say it’s too different except more involvement from parents would be required. This is to assist in giving the children their own confidence and to guide them by lending support, by being there, giving them new skills to try or to try these new skills with those children.

[Azfar] Do you have any other advice?

[Ivy] I would advise on tolerance, to be accepting and honest and to NEVER think that you are always right.

[Azimah] Any last advice for parents and children, especially teens?

[Ivy] I love to end with this Ernest Hemingway quote which applies to parents and children with or without special needs:

“Before you talk, LISTEN. Before you react, THINK. Before you spend, EARN. Before you quit, TRY!”

[Syazana, Azfar, Azimah] Thank you very much, Ivy. Wow! Great tips!

[Syazana] To all the teens out there or parents with teens, we hope that you’ll get some inspiration from listening to Ivy’s story and all the advice that she has offered.

For the next four weeks, we will focus on occupational, emotional and social wellness with a special guest from Singapore!

[Azimah] So... stay tuned to the next episode to find out more!

*Additional Notes

Author biography

Ivy Ngeow is a multi award-winning author, born and raised in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. She has written three psychological suspense fiction novels, numerous short stories in international settings and a series of non-fiction lifestyle titles. An architect and musician, she's always had a flair for creative writing since childhood, winning her first national competition at 16. She turned serious after graduating from Middlesex University with an MA in Writing, as it was there that she won her first international competition, the 2005 Middlesex University Literary Press Prize out of almost 1500 entrants worldwide. In 2016, she was awarded the International Proverse Prize in Hong Kong for her debut, Cry of the Flying Rhino (2017). She is interested in culture, people and places, having lived in Malaysia, Singapore, Sydney where she trained in architecture, and London where she is now based. When she was in Singapore, she studied at Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary), a top girl’s school.

Author Links

email: info@ivyngeow.com

Architecture and Interior Design: www.ivyngeow.com

Writing: www.writengeow.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ivyngeow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyngeow

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ivyngeowwriter

MidCentury Modern: 15 Interior Design Ideas published by Leopard Print is Ivy Ngeow’s latest book.

Amazon UK (£4.29 ebook £9.99 paperback): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09118QVPZ

Amazon USA ($5.99 ebook $13.99 paperback): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09118QVPZ]

~ End of Segment II ~

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

SEASON 1 | EPISODE 20 | SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies for Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow IV

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Shinjuku 1” by Hardi Kamsani. June 10, 2021. This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Sounds of Nature” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. January 4, 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

7. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New Jersey” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

8. “Birds and Cicadas In Milton, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or personal trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the twentieth episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo: Azfar and Azimah.

Do you remember what we talked about in segment one last week?

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh, yes! We talked about Eid al-Fitr celebration for Muslims and visiting our friends in New Jersey and New York City. Yeah! I remember!

[Syazana] Wonderful recall!

Do you know that Father’s Day is around the corner?

[Azfar] Yup! I know!

[Syazana] Let’s talk about what you appreciate most about your dad!

[Azimah] What I appreciate about my dad is that we go out, do things together and he does cooking and barbecue especially during summer. He’s good at barbecuing like grilling the chicken and lamb and everything else. What I like about my dad is that he is my movie buddy! We like to watch movies, all of the Dreamworks animation productions, all the movies and dramas are both good.

[Azfar] What I really appreciate most about my dad is his diligence in taking care of our family especially working lots of hours and working overtime so that we can afford to have vacations quite often even though it’s quite difficult in these times because of the pandemic. But we do get a chance once in a while to get out and relax, wind ourselves down. Get out of your busy life and just relax. It’s, of course, very good for your mental health as well, and overall wellness.

[Syazana] It’s good that you both know the good things that your dad has been doing all these years. Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah.

Last week, our family had another short getaway to New Jersey. It was a 2-day/1-night stay at a hotel in Wayne. We went shopping for some apparel, halal meat, groceries and dined at restaurants.

Let’s listen to a short recording we did at a Turkish restaurant that served pide and pizza.

[Audio recording at New Jersey]

[Syazana] That was a short but good break and excellent for our mental wellness. I’m grateful that your dad loves to drive and take us on long road trips to discover new places, people and culture. Traveling is one family activity that has several benefits:

Firstly, it strengthens the love we have for each other;

Secondly, it gives us an opportunity to discover and understand each other’s character better: the good, the bad and the ugly;

Thirdly, it promotes emotional, social and mental wellness.

Your dad, my dad (your grandpa in Singapore): they both have done a lot for the family. Sometimes, they might disagree with us or sometimes they did not buy expensive things and so on. Nevertheless, it is timely to express our gratitude to Almighty God for gifting them to us and to show our appreciation to the men in our family.

To all our listeners out there, tell us: What do you appreciate most about your dad? What did you do to show your appreciation to him? Send your text or voice memo via email to hello@asktriowello.com. You could be the next winner of our ASKtrioWello Club VIP membership giveaway.

We’ll also be starting our Fitness & Readers group LIVE via Facebook Group on June 26th at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. That will be Saturday in New York. More details will be released via our website at www.asktriowello.com.

[Syazana] That's it for segment one this week.

[Azimah] Stay tuned to the next episode…

[Azfar] And listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

* * *

SEGMENT II | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies For Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow (Part 4 of 4)

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

[Syazana] Hey! We’re back in segment two of the podcast! This week, we’ll continue with the concluding topic on occupational and intellectual wellness with author and architect, Ivy Ngeow.

In the pursuit to achieve your career goals, I had mentioned in the previous episode that you can try to select careers that best match your personality and expectations. Your career choices will have an impact on your occupational and intellectual wellness as well as your mental wellness. Do you know what you’re good at? What are your strengths?

[Azimah] I’m good at...making people smile and laugh! And I’m quite good at handling little kids!

[Azfar] I have a passion for learning, memorizing the holy Quran and other useful knowledge. And I’m also quite good at teaching little boys the Quran either at the Masjid or mosque and online. I’m also very interested in the field of Psychology and I plan to major in this subject in college! I love the brain, neuroscience and studying human behavior and interactions with the world around us!

[Syazana] Do you want to “Bring Your Strengths to Life & Live More Fully?”

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh yes! Of course! What’s the first personality test?

[Syazana] Come join over 15 million people who have taken the only FREE, scientific survey to identify your character strengths by VIA Institute On Character. Visit their website at https://www.viacharacter.org/

[Azfar] The VIA Survey of Character Strengths is a free self-assessment that takes less than 15 minutes and provides a wealth of information to help you understand your best qualities.

[Syazana] The self-assessment is FREE with two options either the VIA Youth Survey if you are between 10-17 years old OR the VIA Adult Survey if you are 18 years old and above. So, check it out!

Notes: If you want more details, VIA Reports (available for a small fee) provide personalized, in-depth analysis of your free results, including actionable tips to apply your strengths to find greater well-being.

[Azfar] Are there any other alternative personality tests to help with career choices?

[Syazana] Yes! There are plenty out there. I would suggest Career Explorer which uses four dimensions of career fit:

*Workplace

*History

*Interests

*Personality

Check it out at https://www.careerexplorer.com/career-test/

[Azimah] Now it’s time to welcome our special guest…Ivy Ngeow!

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

[Ivy] Thank you!

[Azimah] We’ve listened to all your career tips and strategies in the past three episodes.

[Azfar] Do you have any advice for parents in supporting teens like us in choosing our career goals?

[Ivy] Parents should encourage and support their children throughout whatever their dreams might be. They are NOT your dreams. Respect them. Trust them. Trust is worth more than love because trust is having to let go of your personal agenda.

[Azimah] What is your advice for parents who have children with special needs kids like me?

[Ivy] For children with special needs, I would say it’s too different except more involvement from parents would be required. This is to assist in giving the children their own confidence and to guide them by lending support, by being there, giving them new skills to try or to try these new skills with those children.

[Azfar] Do you have any other advice?

[Ivy] I would advise on tolerance, to be accepting and honest and to NEVER think that you are always right.

[Azimah] Any last advice for parents and children, especially teens?

[Ivy] I love to end with this Ernest Hemingway quote which applies to parents and children with or without special needs:

“Before you talk, LISTEN. Before you react, THINK. Before you spend, EARN. Before you quit, TRY!”

[Syazana, Azfar, Azimah] Thank you very much, Ivy. Wow! Great tips!

[Syazana] To all the teens out there or parents with teens, we hope that you’ll get some inspiration from listening to Ivy’s story and all the advice that she has offered.

For the next four weeks, we will focus on occupational, emotional and social wellness with a special guest from Singapore!

[Azimah] So... stay tuned to the next episode to find out more!

*Additional Notes

Author biography

Ivy Ngeow is a multi award-winning author, born and raised in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. She has written three psychological suspense fiction novels, numerous short stories in international settings and a series of non-fiction lifestyle titles. An architect and musician, she's always had a flair for creative writing since childhood, winning her first national competition at 16. She turned serious after graduating from Middlesex University with an MA in Writing, as it was there that she won her first international competition, the 2005 Middlesex University Literary Press Prize out of almost 1500 entrants worldwide. In 2016, she was awarded the International Proverse Prize in Hong Kong for her debut, Cry of the Flying Rhino (2017). She is interested in culture, people and places, having lived in Malaysia, Singapore, Sydney where she trained in architecture, and London where she is now based. When she was in Singapore, she studied at Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary), a top girl’s school.

Author Links

email: info@ivyngeow.com

Architecture and Interior Design: www.ivyngeow.com

Writing: www.writengeow.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ivyngeow

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyngeow

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ivyngeowwriter

MidCentury Modern: 15 Interior Design Ideas published by Leopard Print is Ivy Ngeow’s latest book.

Amazon UK (£4.29 ebook £9.99 paperback): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09118QVPZ

Amazon USA ($5.99 ebook $13.99 paperback): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09118QVPZ]

~ End of Segment II ~

* * *

We’ve now come to the end of the show today. If you have enjoyed our show, like us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @asktriowello a-s-k-t-r-i-o-w-e-l-l-o. Send us your feedback to syazana@asktriowello.com or hello@asktriowello.com.

Visit our website at asktriowello.com and *SUBSCRIBE to ASK Trio About Wellness podcast!

*Available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcasts, Tune In, Listen Notes, Pandora, Podbean Podcast App & Player and YouTube@asktriowello as of June 2021.

~ End of episode ~

* * *

SEASON 1 | EPISODE 20 | SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies for Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow IV

Music Copyright and Attribution

1. “On My Way” by Kevin MacLeod. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

2. “Inspiration” by Ethan Tay. February 20, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

3. “Pro Wellness” by Ethan Tay. March 9th, 2021 (Sydney, Australia). This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

4. “Shinjuku 1” by Hardi Kamsani. June 10, 2021. This work is an original contribution by the artist for the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

5. “Sounds of Nature” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. January 4, 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

6. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

7. “Birds and Nature In Spring, New Jersey” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

8. “Birds and Cicadas In Milton, New York” by Syazana B. Mohamed Sani. May 2021 (New York, U.S.A.). This work is an original contribution by the founder for ASK Trio About Wellness podcast.

Co-Sponsors

Hardi Kamsani and Azman Repin (M. S.)

Hosts

Azimah Azman, Azfar Azman and Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

Volunteer Contributor

Hardi Kamsani (Audio Editing and Sound Design)

Scriptwriter | Producer | Director

Syazana B. Mohamed Sani (M. S.)

ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is a production of ASKtrioWello LLC (New York).

Disclaimer

The information provided in the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast is for educational purposes only. You should consult your doctor, specialist or personal trainer for advice on your physical wellness goals before you plan to follow any of the suggestions or recommendations in this podcast.

Copyright ASKtrioWello LLC 2021.

* * *

TRANSCRIPT

Hello! Holã! Marhaba!

WELCOME to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! Join me, Syazana Sani and the Astro Duo, Azfar Azman and Azimah Azman, your hosts from New York. Let’s strive to educate, regenerate and elevate family institutions through optimal productivity and wellness education, one episode at a time.

ARE YOU READY to listen to inspirational stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility from multicultural families and special needs communities? Sit back, relax and be inspired by the awesome people that we highlight in the first segment of the podcast…

SEGMENT I | Celebrating Fathers

[Azfar] Welcome back to the ASK Trio About Wellness podcast! This episode is co-sponsored by Hardi Kamsani and my dad, Azman Repin. Thank you and may God bless you.

[Azimah] Hello! May peace be upon you!

[Syazana] You are listening to the twentieth episode of the podcast with me, Syazana, and the Astro Duo: Azfar and Azimah.

Do you remember what we talked about in segment one last week?

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh, yes! We talked about Eid al-Fitr celebration for Muslims and visiting our friends in New Jersey and New York City. Yeah! I remember!

[Syazana] Wonderful recall!

Do you know that Father’s Day is around the corner?

[Azfar] Yup! I know!

[Syazana] Let’s talk about what you appreciate most about your dad!

[Azimah] What I appreciate about my dad is that we go out, do things together and he does cooking and barbecue especially during summer. He’s good at barbecuing like grilling the chicken and lamb and everything else. What I like about my dad is that he is my movie buddy! We like to watch movies, all of the Dreamworks animation productions, all the movies and dramas are both good.

[Azfar] What I really appreciate most about my dad is his diligence in taking care of our family especially working lots of hours and working overtime so that we can afford to have vacations quite often even though it’s quite difficult in these times because of the pandemic. But we do get a chance once in a while to get out and relax, wind ourselves down. Get out of your busy life and just relax. It’s, of course, very good for your mental health as well, and overall wellness.

[Syazana] It’s good that you both know the good things that your dad has been doing all these years. Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah.

Last week, our family had another short getaway to New Jersey. It was a 2-day/1-night stay at a hotel in Wayne. We went shopping for some apparel, halal meat, groceries and dined at restaurants.

Let’s listen to a short recording we did at a Turkish restaurant that served pide and pizza.

[Audio recording at New Jersey]

[Syazana] That was a short but good break and excellent for our mental wellness. I’m grateful that your dad loves to drive and take us on long road trips to discover new places, people and culture. Traveling is one family activity that has several benefits:

Firstly, it strengthens the love we have for each other;

Secondly, it gives us an opportunity to discover and understand each other’s character better: the good, the bad and the ugly;

Thirdly, it promotes emotional, social and mental wellness.

Your dad, my dad (your grandpa in Singapore): they both have done a lot for the family. Sometimes, they might disagree with us or sometimes they did not buy expensive things and so on. Nevertheless, it is timely to express our gratitude to Almighty God for gifting them to us and to show our appreciation to the men in our family.

To all our listeners out there, tell us: What do you appreciate most about your dad? What did you do to show your appreciation to him? Send your text or voice memo via email to hello@asktriowello.com. You could be the next winner of our ASKtrioWello Club VIP membership giveaway.

We’ll also be starting our Fitness & Readers group LIVE via Facebook Group on June 26th at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. That will be Saturday in New York. More details will be released via our website at www.asktriowello.com.

[Syazana] That's it for segment one this week.

[Azimah] Stay tuned to the next episode…

[Azfar] And listen to stories of trust, respect, acceptance, integrity, love and social responsibility.

~ End of Segment I ~

* * *

SEGMENT II | Occupational and Intellectual Wellness: Career Tips and Strategies For Teens With Author-Architect Ivy Ngeow (Part 4 of 4)

Coming up next…

In the second segment of the podcast, we’ll learn about productivity and the nine dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, social, intellectual, mental, occupational and financial wellness—so we can survive and thrive in this unpredictable world.

[Syazana] Hey! We’re back in segment two of the podcast! This week, we’ll continue with the concluding topic on occupational and intellectual wellness with author and architect, Ivy Ngeow.

In the pursuit to achieve your career goals, I had mentioned in the previous episode that you can try to select careers that best match your personality and expectations. Your career choices will have an impact on your occupational and intellectual wellness as well as your mental wellness. Do you know what you’re good at? What are your strengths?

[Azimah] I’m good at...making people smile and laugh! And I’m quite good at handling little kids!

[Azfar] I have a passion for learning, memorizing the holy Quran and other useful knowledge. And I’m also quite good at teaching little boys the Quran either at the Masjid or mosque and online. I’m also very interested in the field of Psychology and I plan to major in this subject in college! I love the brain, neuroscience and studying human behavior and interactions with the world around us!

[Syazana] Do you want to “Bring Your Strengths to Life & Live More Fully?”

[Azimah, Azfar] Oh yes! Of course! What’s the first personality test?

[Syazana] Come join over 15 million people who have taken the only FREE, scientific survey to identify your character strengths by VIA Institute On Character. Visit their website at https://www.viacharacter.org/

[Azfar] The VIA Survey of Character Strengths is a free self-assessment that takes less than 15 minutes and provides a wealth of information to help you understand your best qualities.

[Syazana] The self-assessment is FREE with two options either the VIA Youth Survey if you are between 10-17 years old OR the VIA Adult Survey if you are 18 years old and above. So, check it out!

Notes: If you want more details, VIA Reports (available for a small fee) provide personalized, in-depth analysis of your free results, including actionable tips to apply your strengths to find greater well-being.

[Azfar] Are there any other alternative personality tests to help with career choices?

[Syazana] Yes! There are plenty out there. I would suggest Career Explorer which uses four dimensions of career fit:

*Workplace