Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am currently the vice-president of IEACA Inc, a Muslim community organisation, a casual broadcaster for 3zzz 92.3FM ethnic community radio (Malay program), and a teacher at an independent faith-based school.
What are you most passionate about?
Teaching VCE Religion and Society in class. What so interesting about teaching this subject is not about what you know and sharing the knowledge with your students, but what you can learn from them and understanding the challenging questions they ask. Also, I like reading and preparing teaching resource materials that not only will improve my students’ understanding on their faith, but most importantly creating my own journey to understand myself and the world around us.
What would your last meal be?
Nasi Goreng Kampung or Village Fried rice with anchovies. #asiandelicacy #spicy
What was your most memorable moment?
Passing my driving test after five failed attempts in 1992. A big relief! Feeling like an adult! Of course this does not happen in Melbourne, it happens somewhere else which I shall not name the country 🙂
What was your favourite subject in school?
Mathematics. I was a late bloomer in this subject when I was in primary school but that has changed when I started to join a Maths Magic Club (still can’t remember how and why I joined that club)
What event past or present would you like to witness?
The 1700s when the first Makassan fishermen from Sulawesi (Indonesia) visited the northern shores of Australia to trade with Indigenous communities. I wonder how that engagement flourished in the past between the Muslims and the Aboriginals.
Which three dinner guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Firstly, my late dad, how I wish I can share with him my story, express my appreciation for him and talk about family and life in general.
Secondly, Malcom X. I want to ask him more about his transformation as a Sunni Muslim in the last few years of his life.
Thirdly, Mohammad Salah from Liverpool FC, like I am amazed by his current performance as one of the best players in the world.
What are you currently listening to/watching or reading?
I am listening to podcasts from Norman Ali Khan on The Religion of Your Father. Very interesting insight on the story of Prophet Abraham and how we interfaith groups should progress in meaningful dialogue.
I intend to watch Ted Lasso on AppleTV.
I am reading books on Positive Education and Restorative Practice, as part of my job portfolio in student wellbeing.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Er, what else …. nasi goreng kampung with crispy anchovies 🙂
Where is your dream holiday destination?
To perform hajj pilgrimage in Mecca and spend a great holiday in Medina and Turkey.
What were you like as a kid?
Quiet, introverted, shy.
What was your first job?
Working as an admin, assisting examination assessors in calculating exam marks after their marking.
What’s one question you have never been able to get the answer to?
Can we Muslims resolve the issues of having different dates for beginning of Ramadan and the two Eid dates? Can we come up with a technology where we can detect the new moon which can confirm the scientific calculation of the Muslim lunar calendar system? Can we?
