It has been more than a week since I’ve arrived in Brunei. The conference in KL had been pretty awesome – I’d say the organizing committee especially the fellows from monash really did a good job in organizing a big event like this; as 300 medical students gathered from across 20 nations. Our schedule was pretty compact as we rushed from places to places, finishing tasks in a sleep deprived state trying to catch the set deadlines with a good mix of social events and dinner parties.



At first, it seemed pretty daunting – being the sole delegate from New Zealand. This was the first conference that I have attended, so I really didn’t know what to expect. On the day I arrived at the 5 star hotel, I was intimidated by the crowds.. or more precisely, the segregation of groups as the other 19 countries sent big groups of representatives. I felt left out – and left the building. I went to the nearby mall alone and called up my mom. I felt a bit more positive after I talked to Diyana, thanks dear. =)

The next day was the official first day of the conference. Things just happened so quickly; I got myself registered as a NZ delegate, mingled around at the lobby before we were quickly shuttled to the monash campus. I had been placed in Group 1 – with Lil and J acting as our leaders. That day, was the start of special friendships. From that day onwards, we learnt of each others’ quirks as we spent hours and hours together every day and night.



The keyword in this blog entry should actually be ‘opportunity’. It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to attend the conference. And Ive learnt to let myself go and have a lot of fun. Another window of opportunity arrived as I had also been selected as one of the finalists of the paper competition and was asked to present my project / paper entry. I didn’t win the competition – but I was overwhelmed by the positive response I got from the audience as some came over to talk to me after my speech. At the very least, I had touched peoples’ minds about the HIV/AIDs situation and issues back in New Zealand.

Oh. There were so many happenings during the conference, from my stupid acting in front of the crowds (harhar) to my windowshopping with the girls to our fun condom workshop ;) to our eye-opener visit to the transgender community to our group’s little games to my morning wake-up calls by J and oh to so many things that I couldn’t forget . On behalf of all medical students in NZ, Ive also signed a pledge in front of hundreds to treat HIV patients with respect and dignity. As small gesture as it seems, I actually felt a little bit grown-up and involved. I met a lot of different people whom I really wish will meet again in the future. The most memorable day must have been the last night of the conference. In a spur-of-the-moment thing, I sang with a friend on stage during the Gala Night and asked the crowd to join us. Heh. Shortly after, I was again pulled up to the stage by another friend to dance with him. Harhar. Attention seeking much, huh? =p



The Gala Night finished at 11 but as we were planning to go to the after-party, a friend, Eric, suggested to go for a latenight movie. But for some reasons, we didn’t manage to go =( and since the buses to go to the club already left and latenight taxis were scarce in that part of the city, I hang out at the lobby with a couple of friends, trading stories and little secrets. I also received a framed photograph of Group 1 that night – complete with little messages and signatures from everyone..



Oh I miss them now. =’(

The next conference will be in July this year in Taiwan. I wish I can go… but seeing I will be sitting my final exams end of this year (InsyaAllah), its not really a good idea to leave classes for 2 weeks. Sigh. Anyhow, you never know.. maybe our paths will cross again.. Eric made me promise to attend the next conference and watch a movie together over there. Haha.

Ive learnt a lot from this meet-up. Meeting new people is exciting and wonderful. Acting as a little ambassador and talking in front of hundreds is less daunting than what it used to be. Spontaneity is fun. Overall, I’d say it is a very good experience. =)