Meet Juanita, founder of Merci Art & Music

How did Merci Art and Music started?

Merci initially started music-teaching from a house at Taman Indah Permai back in October 2011. As the number of students grew, we decided to move to a bigger premise which led us here at Kingfisher Sulaman, Sepanggar.

What type of classes do you offer here in Merci?

We offer both music and art (painting, coloring, sketching) classes. Our most popular classes are piano and vocal. Other instruments taught are bass guitar, drums, guitar, keyboard, violin and ukulele.

What is the price range be?

Our music fees start from RM50 per hour and length of class is flexible. The adult students normally opt for 30 to 60 mins per session whereas younger ones 30 mins - it depends on their levels. Most of the classes are conducted on a one-to-one basis. Free trial classes are also available by appointment.

In your point of view, why should parents have their kids learn music?

More and more studies have indicated that the learning of arts and music accelerates brain development in young children. When a child learns a musical instrument, it develops not only the auditory senses but to a certain extent the psycho motor skills. Most importantly, the child develops the discipline of learning. It’s been said that music is the language of soul but it is more than an artistic expression.

When an expectant mother sings or plays music to her unborn child, she initiates that crucial parent-child bonding. It’s unfortunate that many schools do not recognize music as an integral part of their curriculum or cannot afford to do so. Naturally, one of our goals is to make music education available to all. May I say that even adults can benefit from learning arts/ music as a worthwhile skill or a therapeutic hobby.

Can music be a career?

Yes, why not? I made it mine. My parents sent me for piano classes at age 6 but I only began to love music when I was 13. I graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) and my first job was a secretary in Singapore. Throughout the years I never stopped playing the piano and managed to complete a piano performance diploma (LTCL).

It wasn’t long afterwards that I decided to become a full-time music teacher. When I was 13, a few kids in the neighborhood requested me to teach them piano. I didn’t realized back then that that was my calling. Here I am 30 years later, still happily teaching music.

What is the minimum age to enrol for a music class here?

As of now, we accept kids age 5 and above. However, we are currently training our teachers how to teach students younger than that.

What can parents look forward to from Merci this year?

Definitely music classes for children as young as toddlers. In February I’m due to complete a course in Kodály Certificate Program - a method of teaching music which combines singing, body movements and ear training exercises. We hope to get the programme up and running by mid year. 

Another endeavor that we hope will continue to be active this year is the Voice of Merci, our children’s choir for ages 6-12. What better way to approach music learning than through singing!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merciartmusic/

How Can An International School Benefit My Child?

Panel of Educational Experts | Kinabalu International School (KIS)

Many parents put a lot of thought and deliberation into choosing the right school for their child. In Kota Kinabalu there are various options available, including government schools, Chinese schools, private schools and international schools. All of these educational institutions employ different curricula and approaches to teaching that influence a child’s lifelong learning. If you have felt overwhelmed about deciding between the many schooling options, you’re not alone.

While each educational institution has its own set of advantages, international schools provide a unique edge to students. Consider the following advantages as you decide on which educational institution is right for your child:

CURRICULUM

Most international schools adhere to an internationally recognised curriculum, which often incorporates an appreciation of other world cultures and the development of essential skills, which are critical for today’s world of work.

At Kinabalu International School (KIS) we follow the English National Curriculum from 3 through to 18 years old. In our Early Years Department this is called Development Matters and it focuses on the major milestones that a young child needs to achieve before they can successfully continue their academic journey into Primary.

In the Primary and Secondary schools students are taught according to the objectives of the English National Curriculum, which prepares them to study for their IGCSEs at the age of 14 and their A Levels at the age of 16.

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Typically, the learning environment in an international school provides smaller class sizes than government schools. At KIS we have high teacher to student ratios in classes, as well as additional in-class support from Teaching Assistants throughout the Primary School. This allows teachers to modify and tailor the curriculum to suit each child’s unique learning style and capability. Children all learn in different ways and having a teacher who can adjust their methods of teaching to benefit your child is essential.

Securing a place for your child in an international school that recruits only staff with internationally recognised teaching qualifications will ensure that your child receives a quality education. Teachers in an international school are highly experienced in differentiation. Teachers are able to support a wide range of individual learning needs in their lessons.

In international schools learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Field trips, residential trips, sports fixtures and competitions supplement a child’s in-school learning. At KIS students are encouraged to participate in trips, excursions and competitions within Kota Kinabalu and further afield.

EXPOSURE TO NEW CULTURES

International schools teach students an appreciation of world cultures and promote the development of strong bonds between students, staff and families who come from diverse backgrounds. Children benefit from these cultural experiences and learn how to work with people from all over the world. Many different festivals are celebrated in international schools and the children enjoy learning about their classmates’ diverse cultural heritages.

At KIS many of our students say that studying with peers from different cultures helps them better appreciate the world around them and gives them confidence in relating to people from other cultures and nationalities, thus helping them to develop as global citizens.

PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

International schools include extra-curricular activities (ECAs) within their curriculum. These activities help children discover and develop new skills. For instance, at KIS students have the opportunity to join a wide range of ECAs each term. Ranging from creative and academic, to sporting and musical, the extensive ECA programme has something for everyone. Extra-curricular activities are a great way for students to work with others from a range of year groups and further support the development of essential skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Many businesses today operate on a global scale. Employers often look for individuals who have experience working with other cultures. Such individuals tend to be more effective when collaborating with people from various cultures.

Most students who attend international schools will also learn more than one language. At KIS English is the language of instruction used for all lessons. Children also learn Mandarin and, depending on the child’s nationality, they choose to learn either French or Malay. Many employers see multilingualism as a desired trait.

THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

When considering which school is right for your child, gathering accurate information and experiencing the school for yourself is an essential part of the process. At KIS we welcome families to book appointments to visit the school, talk with our Admissions and Academic staff and see the school in action. We pride ourselves in supporting families at every stage of this important decision-making process.

If you would like to find out more about KIS please visit our website at: www.kis.edu.my or call Ms Tina Koroh, Admissions Officer to book an appointment on 088 224526.

A hole in the heart, toddler Nurnafisyah's Story

Real Life Story: 

A hole in the heart,
Toddler Nurnafisyah Jafarlie's Story.

Siti Nurnafisyah Jafarlie was only 4 months old baby when the doctor discovered she had ventricular septal defect (VSD) or commonly known as hole in the heart. “We were surprised, sad and heartbroken when the doctor informed us about her heart condition. Since she is our first child, we were very afraid of losing her,” said Siti Norihan Ibrahim.

Siti Norihan Ibrahim and husband Jafarlie Matusin have two daughters. The eldest is Siti Nurnafisyah Jafarlie and the youngest is Siti Nurnazihah Jafarlie. Siti Norihan work as an assistant chief cashier while her husband is a supervisor and they all live in Papar.

It was one of the regular review and vaccine day for baby Nurnafisyah. Suddenly, the doctor discovered an irregular heart beat. The doctor told Siti Norihan that her 4 months old baby may have a heart condition and advised her to take her baby for an ECHO scan. The ECHO scan allows doctor to clearly see any problem with the way the heart is formed or the way it’s working. After the scan, it is confirmed that baby Nurnafisyah has a hole in the heart.

A complete happy family, one year after the operation. From left: Jafarlie

(father), Siti Nurnafisyah, Siti Nurnazihah (youngest sister) and Siti Norihan (mother).

VSDs are quite common, varying from tiny defects such as a pinhole in size to much larger ones. Most children with hole in the heart may not have any major symptoms, but they may get easily tired, always sleeping or out of breath. Larger hole will require surgery to correct the defect.

Nurnafisyah was given medication soon after they found out about her heart condition. About 30% or more babies’ with small defects will close spontaneously during early childhood but Nurnafisyah is one of the 70% that did not.

By the age of 3, Nurnafisyah’s hole in her heart did not go away which made her mother determined to find another way to help her daughter's condition. The doctor that has been treating Nurnafisyah advised Siti to seek further advise at a private hospital. This lead Siti to meet Dr. Abu Bakar Mamat, a Consultant Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital.

After consulting Dr. Abu Bakar Mamat, they were given options for further treatment in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu (Gleneagles Hospital) and they chose Kota Kinabalu after considering the logistics problems, travelling and undue stress of having to leave behind the rest of the family.

The operation was scheduled for their 3 years old toddler on the 21st November 2015 at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital. Siti and her husband was very anxious and scared about the entire procedure as there are endless of risk and complication that may occur during the operation.

Five days after operation, Nurnafisyah lying in bed (centre) with her parents and
Consultant Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Abu Bakar Mamat.

Nurnafisyah’s open heart surgery was successfully conducted and giving a new milestone to Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital as the first private hospital in Sabah to perform paediatric open heart surgery locally.

Finally, Siti and her husband’s heart is also completed, relieved and happy. The successful operation may left a massive scar on Nurnafisyah but the entire family is happy that she is now a normal active child and doesn’t have to take any more medications. She has also started attending Kindergarten in Papar.

In Sabah itself, there are nearly 400 new cases of congenital heart disease diagnosed every year with up to 10 of every 1,000 newborns. An open heart surgery is a major operation and the medical expenses can amount up to RM60,000. Siti and her family could not afford the surgery therefore her case was proposed for the Khazanah IHH Healthcare Fund by the doctor.

Nurnafisyah’s hospital expenses were fully paid by the Khazanah IHH Healthcare Fund, which provides partial and fully-sponsored medical treatment to needy patients in IHH’s home markets of Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey.

The hospital also to engage with the State Government to provide help to members of the local community who may require paediatric heart surgery.

“ Previously, most children with heart congenital heart disease had to travel to Peninsular Malaysia or abroad to get treatment. With the establishment of Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, we are now able to perform paediatric heart surgeries locally, giving a new lease of life, ” Dr. Abu Bakar Mamat, Consultant Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

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The Interview: Lissah Jack, Faith Wellness Centre

Lissah Jack, the owner of Faith Wellness Centre, mother of 2 daughters, love yoga, enjoy spending quality time with her love ones and a devoted wife to loving husband Nelson Campbell.

Q: Hi Lissah, can you tell us the type of services that Faith Wellness Centre is providing?

A: Our centre provides the latest technology of Infrared Sauna therapies without relying much on synthetic medicines. Faith Wellness Centre is the first centre in Sabah that comes with computerized system Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna by Sunlighten™. It is equipped with clinically-backed infrared heaters which aid in detoxification, blood pressure reduction, weight loss, pain relief and skin purification. In just a session of treatment with our Sunlighten™ Infrared Saunas, your body’s metabolism rate will be increased and the heavy metals absorbed in your body will be removed. Our

mission is to be the best wellness centre exclusively in Borneo Sabah, and in Malaysia, that promotes healthy living lifestyle through Infrared Sauna therapies without relying heavily on synthetic medicine.

Q: Being a busy mom, how can Infrared Sauna help us on our weightloss journey?

A: It’s simple. Studies have shown that benefits of aninfrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories while you relax. As the body works to cool itself, there is a substantial increase in heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate, causing the body to burn more calories.

I would like to give my own testimonial of our Sunlighten™ Infrared Sauna. With a very tight and busy daily schedule as a full-time working mother, I do not have time for outdoor exercises and even for gym. So my solution is to have my sauna session twice a day – once before work and once after work. I can tell my body is getting lighter and fresher for work, and it changes my sleeping pattern. I can sleep very well at night now! Because of the spacious sauna, I can perform some light exercises like yoga while enjoying my sauna session. HOT YOGA, which is having yoga in a warmer space, has a lot of health benefits and help to lose weight in faster rate.

Q: No wonder you look fabulous even after 2 kids! What else can infrared saunas can do?

A: Thanks for the compliment, Stella! Well, another unique benefit I wish to highlight is that this treatment helps to prolong our life as it helps support those who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis,chronic fatigue syndrome and even autism. It’s also proven to help reduce blood pressure and stress. With regular treatment, you will feel better and your quality of life can be enhanced. And one more thing, Infrared saunas can help in the fight against childhood cancer. Thanks to their detox benefits, infrared saunas can help remove toxic chemicals and heavy metals, reducing body burden, enhancing the immune system and freeing the body up to better kill cancer cells. For more on how infrared sauna use can help fight cancer, check out the post “Infrared Sauna Use by Cancer Patients.” These are the proven benefits of infrared saunas treatment and there are tonnes of other benefits that you can enjoy.

Q: How can this treatment help for postnatal care?

A: Dr. Mehmet Oz, our medical expert, unveiled several technological marvels designed to enhance and extend life - one of which was Sunlighten™ Infrared Sauna.

For postnatal care, our Sunlighten™ Infrared Sauna is a very excellent and reliable tool for detoxification and is a great support for those who are not able to do much exercise after childbirth. I am a mother of two, so I understand the struggle faced by most mothers when it comes to postnatal body weight issues.

Our Sunlighten™ Infrared Sauna is indeed a solution for all mothers out there I must say. The infrared saunas by Faith Wellness Centre help a lot in improving our blood circulation which at the same time will enhance the breast milk production. It also helps us to relax which is good to control imbalanced hormones that associates with the mothers’ emotional state after delivery and during the confinement. For overtired, lack-of-sleep mothers like most of us, our Sunlighten™ Infrared Sauna really is a solution to purify the skin and enhance cell health. This helps a lot to beautify the skin, stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, improve overall skin tone, renew cells, heal wounds and balance the body’spH level.

Q: How much is the cost per session?

A: The price per treatment is between RM60 to RM120. The price would vary for every client as the treatment will be selected according to the client’s body and different needs. Before each session, our staff will make a body index composition analysis to figure out the problems inside their body. The result will determine which kind of treatment suits the client best.

Q: We are very glad the Infrared Sauna is here in Kota Kinabalu, this treatment will surely help so many people. Do you have plans to expand your centre?

A: Absolutely! With the demand that we have right now, we already have plans to open up our second branch next year. Once again, I would like to highlight our mission which is to be the best wellness centre exclusively in Borneo Sabah, and in Malaysia, that promotes healthy living lifestyle through Infrared Sauna therapies without relying heavily on synthetic medicine. Our biggest hope is to expand our empire to all over the country so all of you will get the chance to experience our Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna by Sunlighten™. You just sit back and relax in our infrared sauna, and be ready to get 600-900 calories of your body burned as part of your weight loss journey, detoxify your body, relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, improve blood circulation and purify your skin all in one treatment.

Since our Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna by Sunlighten™ is the first in Sabah, I would like to welcome all of you to Faith Wellness Centre to experience the infrared saunas by yourself naturally.

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Faith Wellness Centre,
Lorong Pusat Komersial 88/2, Block E, Lot 3A 1st Flr, 88 Market Place, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 016-415 3881 or 088-204850

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithwellnesscentre/

LE MERIDIEN KOTA KINABALU UNLOCKS FESTIVE DINING

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 28 November 2017 - Unlock limitless festive inspirations at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu this holiday season with fascinating dining offers prepared by Executive Chef Fahdrul and his culinary team. Guests can look forward to a delicious Christmas with curated menus filled your holiday season favourites.

Celebrate the occasion with our Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner at the Latest Recipe for RM178nett. For something more intimate, indulge in the lavish 5-course dinner at Favola for only RM328nett per adult.

On Christmas Day, enjoy our Christmas Day Buffet Lunch at RM188nett per adult, while Christmas Day Buffet Dinner is at RM148nett per adult.

This year, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is offering a special early bird price at RM128nett per adult. This is only applicable for the first 50 guests for each Christmas buffets. Children under 12 years of age is at RM80nett per child.

Chef Fahdrul introduces his special Turducken dish as this year's highlight at all our Christmas Buffet. "This is a popular dish served during Christmas and is made with turkey which is stuffed with deboned chicken and duck, as well as other stuffing. This is definitely a must try and we will also serve other delicious Christmas favorites including succulent beef and lamb roasts as well as a wonderful spread of festive desserts."

Chef Fahdrul Bin Abd Malek is a seasoned chef with more than 20 years of experience in professional cooking and kitchen management in prestigious hotels around Malaysia including The Westin Kuala Lumpur and The Andaman, a Luxury Collection of Resorts, Langkawi as well as in a prominent hotel in Vietnam.

Specializing in Asian and Continental fine dining, and Western cuisines, Chef Fahdrul's philosophy on cooking "If you care about the food at all, you should always cook what you love and love what you cook" will elevate the guest's culinary experience with exciting new menu and special promotions.


LE MERIDIEN'S CHRISTMAS BUFFET MENU
FOR 24TH AND 25TH DECEMBER 2017 @ LATEST RECIPE
A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS

Turducken
Oven Roasted Baby Vegetables with Herbs Butter
Apple Stuffing
Roasted Baby Potatoes with Beef Streaky
Poached Whole Salmon with Condiments
White Bean, Minced Lamb and Mint Salad
Watermelon, Tomato and Feta with Basil, Pumpkin Seeds
Panzanella of Tomato, Mozzarella and Crunchy Bread
Roasted Pumpkin and Charred Onion Salad with Creamy Pesto Dressing
Creamy Roasted Pumpkin and Roasted Almond Flakes
Seafood Chowder with Vegetables
Seafood on Ice with Condiments
Minced Meat Pie
Christmas Stolen
Christmas Fruit Cake with Icing Frosting
Panettone
Christmas Tiramisu
Assorted Christmas Cookies
Christmas Colchester Pudding
Caramelized Chocolate Yule Log
Very Berries Cheese Cake

To discover more, please call 088-322 238 or visit www.lemeridienkotakinabalu.com

Is Your Toddler A Picky Eater?

Written by Dr. Liaw Yun Haw

Paediatrics Medicine, KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital

Many young children are thought by their parents to eat poorly. Although a majority of the children are mildly affected, a small percentage has a feeding disorder. Picky eaters are children who consume an inadequate variety of foods through rejection of both familiar and unfamiliar foods. Picky eating is common and is found in 20-50% of children; it is a temporary phase that many children pass through.

Picky eating peaks at ages 2-3, although it may also be seen in toddlers as young as 1 year old. They have strong food preferences, consume an inadequate variety of foods, restrict the intake of some food groups, unwilling to try new food and eat a limited amount of food. Picky eating increases stress and anxiety levels that can surround difficult mealtimes and can have a detrimental impact on both the child and parent’s psychological wellbeing.

To address this common childhood condition, Nutrition-Behaviour Modification Programme for mild picky eater has been developed with the collaboration of the Malaysian Paediatric Association and Nutrition Society of Malaysia. The main objective is to aid behavioural change in children with picky eating habits.

It empowers parents with invaluable information on nutrition and growth, and supports them with practical suggestions on helping their child outgrow this developmental phase. Successful implementation results in adequate nutrition and pleasant parent-child mealtime experience.

I will discuss one of the topics here. 

Healthy mealtime behaviour- suggestion for mealtime practices:

a) Make mealtimes an enjoyable experience for all. Talk about happy and fun things at the dining table.

b) Be a role model to your child by consuming and showing the enjoyment towards a variety of foods.

c) Encourage your child to try new food before giving them their favourite food in the same setting. It may take several times before your child accepts the food.

d) Offer your child small portions and add on as indicated by their appetite. Spend time in preparing a visually appealing plate.

e) Have at least one family meal together every day. Your child would eat better when you are close by, and share their food with them.

f) Allow your child to self-feed. Be patient and understanding even if your child makes a mess.

g) Encourage your child to sit at the table for up to 30 mins during mealtimes, after which their meal should be cleared. There should be 2-3 hour intervals between meals and snacks.

h) Avoid overpraising and/ or punishing your child for mealtime behaviour. Food should not be used as positive or negative re-enforcers.

i) Understand your child’s cues and respond, your child may have had enough food or need a short pause, not familiar with the taste or food may be too hot, lumpy etc.

Make an appointment and talk to your doctor today. Managing picky eating behaviour often requires partnerships among healthcare professionals and families. The interactions and communication between a caregiver and infant influences the infant’s ability to progress in feeding skills and consume a nutritionally adequate diet.

Fitness Mom: 6 Ways To Stay On Track

Photo by Linawa Photography

As we enter the 2nd half of the year, we have a perfect time to reflect. I am sure at the beginning of this year, many peeps included "Get Fitter and Healthier for 2017" as one of their resolutions. In case you haven't quite met that goal yet, it's never too late to jump back on the wagon.

Here are 6 tips to make your journey so much easier and more meaningful.

1. PREP YOUR GYM BAG/ WORK OUT KIT IN YOUR CAR

It's just an added convenience having a gym bag ready to go in the car. Especially if you already have a busy schedule, making another pit stop at home before heading to the gym will make you lose precious time. Plus, you have one less excuse to not exercise if you are ever ready all the time.

2. SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE BETTER THAN YOU

Especially for newbie, getting into the gym for the first time can be very intimidating. But here is the thing, you are in there with a goal and one goal only, to be a better you. Surrounding yourself with people who are better than you won't make you lose anything, but instead give you a chance to learn from them.

Learn what works and what doesn't. People who are better than you usually have already had a taste of what work and what doesn't for them. Be selective when choosing what works for you and adapt it to your style making sure that you are still very responsible for your safety. In short, push ego aside, move out of your comfort zone and learn from the best.

3. SET MINI GOALS

Changes don't happen overnight, visible results might not even be obvious in a month, but every little bit of progress counts and can be used to cheer you on. You have to be YOUR BIGGEST fan. Set out mini goals. They could seem like extremely "mini" small goals, but remember this, it's YOUR GOAL.

For example, starting out a week 1 with BIG ZERO pull ups and by the end of week 4, you get to do 2 pull ups, that's great progress! Journaling up your journey. That way when you look back on Day 1, when you are now on Day 90, I can assure you that you will have No Regrets and be amazed by your own achievements.

4. REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED

There could be many reasons why you started, be it due to health reason or simple to look fitter and stronger. Have a clear goal and focus on that goal. Tell yourself this, is it worthwhile to start all over again just because you couldn't be bothered to take charge?

5. STICK A 'TRANSFORMATION BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE' OF YOU ON THE FRIDGE DOOR

Be proud of how you look before you started your fitness journey and be prouder of how far you have come. Avoid that midnight junk snack by sticking those 'before and after' pictures on the fridge door! You could also stick a Motivational Poster to push you away from reaching your kid's leftover pizza from the night before.

6. LEARN TO SAY NO AND TAKE CHARGE

Most of the time people will not understand your goal. They don't have to. It's your journey not theirs. So, if you are at a party or a gathering, it's OK to say NO to a glass of wine or a slice of pizza and it's OK to pack or request food that suits your meal type. All you have to do is 'ASK' whenever you can. You will be surprise on how accommodating some people or even restaurants can be. And if it's still hard, read No.2 and No.4 again.

So, DON'T WAIT, START NOW. TAKE CHARGE. You are your body. Any movement at all is so much more better than sitting on a couch! Don't think only lifting weights would change you.

By Nirwana Williams

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nirwana.williams

Instagram: www.instagram.com/neynawilliams/