The morning after long flight....

Thankfully the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Abu Dhabi went smoothly with no turbulence. As we arrived right on time, I didn't realized how short the path was from exiting the plane all the way to getting into our ride to the hotel.

I came along with six other Teach For Malaysia (TFM) alumni, some were on connecting flights from Sarawak which includes Jane, Nadhirah, Puteri Nazatul, Adzrul, Anders, and Gabriel (whom I helped to cultivate about the TFM Fellowship before he joiend the programme).

From left to right behind me: Adzrul, Anders, , Puteri Nazatul, Nadhirah, Gabriel, Jane

Another TFM alumnus who also has the chance to participate in this Forum is Soonufat, who is also going to be one of the panels in the many sessions on Saturday. He arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, which makes him the first to arrive.

What impressed me the most is how the orgarnizers are tip top to assist all participants of the Qudwa Global Teachers' Forum. They put up reasonably size signage (not too big, but small enough to catch the attention), that led us to their logistics team. We just had to inform them our name (I had to show my passport due to my long name), and once confirmed, we proceed to outside to our rides to the Hotel.

The seven of us split into two limosines (one was the Lexus, while the other was the BMW), and my diver, Abdul, gave us whatever information we inquired (especially on the prayer schedule).

That's Abdul in the driver's seat (the driver sits on the left side). 

By the time we reached at Jumeirah Hotel in Etihad Towers, we got ourselves registered with the organizers. We were briefed about housekeeping rules and the agenda for the day. Later then, we went to the Reception Counter to collect our room keys, which all of us occupying individually in one of the many rooms.

Before we all head up to our respective rooms, Nadzhirah and Puteri were chatting about exploring the city which I chipped in and asked for their assistance to look for that special gift for my number one fan, my wife. We connnected to the internet via the hotel's wifi, and look for whatever information we need. Once agreed to the plans, it was time to freshen up and continue on to the next part of the journey.

The TV in room has my name in it. How COOL is that?! 

I'm leaving on a jet plane.

Tonight marks the first time in 14 years that I am flying out of Malaysia. The last time, I was pursuing further studies in the field of medicine in Karachi, Pakistan, but I failed in the end.

Fast forward to 2017, I am now heading out to Qudwa Global Teachers' Forum that is going to be held at Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, over the weekend.

I wasn't confident that I'll get the chance to go as I know there are many Teach For Malaysia alumni who shines brighter than me in their respective communities and expertise. Fortunately, I have been given the chance to attend this event to learn more on what educatora across the globe have done within their schools.

I can't thank enough to my dear wife, Shakirin Binti Shaik Rahmat, who has been supportive of me and my number one cheerleader.

Through the years of our marriage, I'm always the one to send her off to the airport. Now that the role has reversed, it does feel a bit unnatural. Thank you, sayang, and I love you.

Back again with a purpose...

It's been ages since I last blog, and the time has come as I'll be using this platform to keep records of my journey to Qudwa Global Teachers' Forum 2017 over in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

You may go to www.qudwa.com to find out more about this event.