Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham - The Bicycle Project - Malaysia
What three things do you do differently after your program at the East-West Center (SUSI/YSEALI)?
YSEALI have taught me project planning aspects which have tremendously impacted the way I carry out projects in my home country. The unique approaches that is incorporated into curriculum at the East-West Centre such as the Leadership Immersion Training Experience (LITE), SWOT analysis and Social Business Canvas has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of project planning and implementation. Since returning from the YSEALI program, I applied these components into my projects and not only did it benefit the way that the project is being carried out, but also introduced it as a new learning tool for my teammates, which in turn helped them in carrying out their own projects.
Travelling is important and I get to see the world in a bigger picture. Prior to YSEALI, I did not have the privilege of travelling often, let alone to far places. YSEALI has taught me to be attentive to surroundings and that there are a lot to learn from local culture. It is important to be fully immersed in present environment and listen to what local people had to say. Ideas stem from experience. Without visiting the places that I had been in the United States, I would not have had the inspiration to be innovative and improve the initial plan for my home project. Since then, I have always been attentive whenever I visit new places – to learn from the surroundings, to learn from the people.
Education across borders. The first interaction that we had with our teachers is via the TED platform. It was my first experience of using the TED platform for learning and not watching TED videos. It amazes me that there is so much that I need to learn in terms of usage of technology. We were also required to make introductory videos to know more about our cohort before meeting up with them at the East-West Center. My biggest takeaway in terms of technology enhanced communication is sharing sessions via digital reflection. I love this method as it conveys raw emotions and improve the way to speak and deliver experience. It is a fresh outtake on the conventional writing, which is the most common medium to do reflections. This is something which I share and introduce to teams I work with after coming back from YSEALI, and they too appreciate it very much.
What impact did the program have on your career?
The program is a major life changer as it boosted my confidence and the skills gained during the program is definitely an added advantage. Bring part of YSEALI and attending EWC itself increased job opportunities as employers recognizes and values the prestigious exchange program and institute. I am highly adaptable in tackling environmental challenges and it reflects on my organizational, problem solving and management skills. These are skills that I have developed while participating in the program. I am a better team player and cultivated interpersonal skills. This is a product of good communication, not only via conveying information, but improving on listening skills as well. Through the program, I have learned more on emotional intelligence and its significance. Understanding other people that you are working with will form good relationships, thus able to carry out projects and get work done effectively. The program made me sparked more interest in environmental issues, which influences the career line that I am in right now. Indeed, the global experience is highly valuable and greatly impacts the environmental career path that I am currently pursuing.
What issues are you most passionate about in your daily life?
I am profoundly passionate in the field of environment, more particularly on urban issues and climate change. I have been actively involved in environmental related initiatives since I was fourteen years old, and it has been an inclining interest ever since. After I finished school, I continued on pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus and I enjoyed every minute of it. Passion ignites when you love what you do. For me, I always feel that there is a need to help the deteriorating environment as we are the cause of the problem. Issues such as climate change is anthropogenic and greatly human influenced, thus we have to do our part to solve it. I believe that it is important to do the best we can within our own capacity. My passion shines through my actions. For example, establishing the Bicycle Project on campus to provide a sustainable alternative mode of transportation to campus community and my involvement with the Malaysian Youth Delegation to the United Nations climate change conference, COP22.
How have you come to see leadership?
Leadership is a spectrum of colors and it differs by individuals. There are various types of leadership traits. The theoretical definition of leadership, which is to be led by leaders, is no longer applicable as I learned that good followers can also be good leaders. A good leader not only commands, but listens. A good leader is aware of his or her surroundings, teammates and quality of work. Leadership skills can be developed and practiced. Learning from others is important and everyone has the potential to be a leader. I believe that a great leader is someone who is able to inspire others to pursue their passion and become greater leaders than they are.
YSEALI have taught me project planning aspects which have tremendously impacted the way I carry out projects in my home country. The unique approaches that is incorporated into curriculum at the East-West Centre such as the Leadership Immersion Training Experience (LITE), SWOT analysis and Social Business Canvas has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of project planning and implementation. Since returning from the YSEALI program, I applied these components into my projects and not only did it benefit the way that the project is being carried out, but also introduced it as a new learning tool for my teammates, which in turn helped them in carrying out their own projects.
Travelling is important and I get to see the world in a bigger picture. Prior to YSEALI, I did not have the privilege of travelling often, let alone to far places. YSEALI has taught me to be attentive to surroundings and that there are a lot to learn from local culture. It is important to be fully immersed in present environment and listen to what local people had to say. Ideas stem from experience. Without visiting the places that I had been in the United States, I would not have had the inspiration to be innovative and improve the initial plan for my home project. Since then, I have always been attentive whenever I visit new places – to learn from the surroundings, to learn from the people.
Education across borders. The first interaction that we had with our teachers is via the TED platform. It was my first experience of using the TED platform for learning and not watching TED videos. It amazes me that there is so much that I need to learn in terms of usage of technology. We were also required to make introductory videos to know more about our cohort before meeting up with them at the East-West Center. My biggest takeaway in terms of technology enhanced communication is sharing sessions via digital reflection. I love this method as it conveys raw emotions and improve the way to speak and deliver experience. It is a fresh outtake on the conventional writing, which is the most common medium to do reflections. This is something which I share and introduce to teams I work with after coming back from YSEALI, and they too appreciate it very much.
What impact did the program have on your career?
The program is a major life changer as it boosted my confidence and the skills gained during the program is definitely an added advantage. Bring part of YSEALI and attending EWC itself increased job opportunities as employers recognizes and values the prestigious exchange program and institute. I am highly adaptable in tackling environmental challenges and it reflects on my organizational, problem solving and management skills. These are skills that I have developed while participating in the program. I am a better team player and cultivated interpersonal skills. This is a product of good communication, not only via conveying information, but improving on listening skills as well. Through the program, I have learned more on emotional intelligence and its significance. Understanding other people that you are working with will form good relationships, thus able to carry out projects and get work done effectively. The program made me sparked more interest in environmental issues, which influences the career line that I am in right now. Indeed, the global experience is highly valuable and greatly impacts the environmental career path that I am currently pursuing.
What issues are you most passionate about in your daily life?
I am profoundly passionate in the field of environment, more particularly on urban issues and climate change. I have been actively involved in environmental related initiatives since I was fourteen years old, and it has been an inclining interest ever since. After I finished school, I continued on pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus and I enjoyed every minute of it. Passion ignites when you love what you do. For me, I always feel that there is a need to help the deteriorating environment as we are the cause of the problem. Issues such as climate change is anthropogenic and greatly human influenced, thus we have to do our part to solve it. I believe that it is important to do the best we can within our own capacity. My passion shines through my actions. For example, establishing the Bicycle Project on campus to provide a sustainable alternative mode of transportation to campus community and my involvement with the Malaysian Youth Delegation to the United Nations climate change conference, COP22.
How have you come to see leadership?
Leadership is a spectrum of colors and it differs by individuals. There are various types of leadership traits. The theoretical definition of leadership, which is to be led by leaders, is no longer applicable as I learned that good followers can also be good leaders. A good leader not only commands, but listens. A good leader is aware of his or her surroundings, teammates and quality of work. Leadership skills can be developed and practiced. Learning from others is important and everyone has the potential to be a leader. I believe that a great leader is someone who is able to inspire others to pursue their passion and become greater leaders than they are.
