Hello ASEAN! Can You(th) Hear Me?

How many times have you looked in the mirror and wished to see someone else? You hate each curve that accentuates your body and each freckle that lines your cheeks, wishing that you'd look better, smarter - perfect. You despise yourself. But if you don't love yourself, who will, and what does it take for one to love oneself?

This week, dive in with host Sarah and guest speaker Aida Azrin as they go through the notions of self-love. Aida is an enigmatic life of the party who is also the editor of Wild Ginger, an inclusive wellness guide that promotes self-care.

In the words of Christopher Robin,

"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

To our listeners; give yourself some credit and love yourself.

Taking care of our mental health has a big impact on our lives - not just ourselves but also our relationships. Being mentally ill should not be an embarrassment or something that one feels like they should hide about. It's time we educate ourselves not just on the importance of mental wellbeing, but also learning to show more compassion for others going through a tough time. 

This week, join hosts Ammar and Taqi with our guest speaker, Puan Anita and Cynthia Joseph as they destigmatize mental health. Puan Anita is the president of Mental Illness Awareness & Support Association (MIASA) while Cynthia co-founded the amazing KauOKTak. Both of these women are avid advocates for mental wellbeing and we cannot wait to embark on this new journey of learning more about a pertinent issue - mental health.

AYAN Malaysia: Hello ASEAN! Can You(th) Hear Me returns for a second season, with our charming host, Sarah. We open our new season with a topic that is rarely spoken about but shows its prevalence in our nation: Unseen Disabilities.

Having the general stigma surrounding disabilities is exhausting by itself. Now imagine being invalidated of your own disabilities, simply because it does not fit with what the media portrays disabilities as. Let's delve in deeper to the roots of the problem with our guest speaker, Batrisyia Najwa Azalan, a social science student from Monash University.

Since the declaration of independence in 1957, the issue regarding women representation in politics has been highly controversial and significant. Are women getting more opportunities to be involved in the political arena? What about the glass ceiling? Can it be shattered?

Joining our host Khaiswariya Jeyapalan are two very inspiring women, Kelly and Awliya or better known as Oli. Aside from being a clinical psychologist and wellness coach (Kelly) and a Senior Fund Accountant at the Royal Bank of Canada (Oli), these amazing women are also very active representatives of Parlimen Wanita Muda (PWM).

Quoting Oli, women account for half of the world population and should be given the platform to speak up. Tune in to our final episode for Season 1 as they share their insights on why women should consider getting involved in politics, whether family responsibilities are a real obstacle to women’s engagement in politics and many more! See you in the next season! 

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756 / Follow our IG: https://www.instagram.com/ayanmalaysia/?hl=en

As Malaysia reaps for a hopeful and progressive future, we can't help but wonder where our youths can play a part in this transformation. Do youths really have a voice? If they do, how can they speak out and advocate for their rights?

Joining our host Khaiswariya Jeyapalan this week are three bright youths of Malaysia – Syabil Ilham Syah, Andrea Chow and Masyitah. Aside from being post-SPM graduates themselves, they are also extremely active representatives of their respective student-led movements! Tune in as they share their insights on different student-led movements and how our youths play a major role in Malaysia's development. At the end of the day, our youths will inevitably become the leaders and advocates of the nation!

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/ Follow our IG: https://www.instagram.com/ayanmalaysia/?hl=en

Intro and outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale

TW: The following episode contains mentions of suicide. Listeners discretion is highly advised. 

If you are currently in a dark place in life, we hope you will gather the courage and strength to reach out for help. Contact Talian Kasih at 15999 or Befrienders Malaysia suicide hotline at 03-76272929.

Destigmatisation of suicide in Malaysia is crucial. The attempt to take your own life should be approached with treatment, not punishment. On this week's episode, join our host Khaiswariya Jeyapalan as she discusses the issue of decriminalising suicide with two former Perdana Fellows of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zulaikha Jaafar and Roshan Nigel Miranda. Expect fresh and awakening perspectives from these bright minds as they delve into the future of Malaysia and its laws with regards to decriminalising suicide. 

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/ Follow our IG: https://www.instagram.com/ayanmalaysia/?hl=en

Outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale

As Malaysia continues to strive to be a country on par with other developing nations, we can't help but wonder where our youths can play a part in this vital transformation. 

Joining our host Khaiswariya Jeyapalan this week are two bright youths of Malaysia - Elisa Shafiqah and Winsley Ong. Aside from being active members of AYAN Malaysia themselves, they are also the recently appointed representatives of their constituency for Dewan Muda Malaysia! Tune in as they share their insights on nation building and how our youths can play a role in Malaysia's development. At the end of the day, Negaraku begins with Aku. 

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/ Follow our IG: https://www.instagram.com/ayanmalaysia/?hl=en

Intro and outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale

In light of numerous cases of police brutality both nationally and around the globe, we believe discourse on such devastating issue is crucial. 

In this episode, join our host Khaiswariya Jeyapalan, our host, and two brilliant speakers Intan Nadhirah and Danish Izam as they discuss their views on police mistreatment. An episode loaded with fresh perspectives from law students themselves, listen as they gauge their opinions on existing laws to combat police misconduct and the role of media to eradicate this historically-rooted issue. 

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/

Intro and outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale

Now more than ever, youth are taking leadership roles in society. But do they have the qualities to become good leaders? In this episode, join Khaiswariya Jeyapalan, our host discuss what it takes to be an excellent leader with Winson Lee Hong Yee and Sam Chua Chun Hong.

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/

Intro and outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale

Have you ever scrolled through social media and see your friends going out but didn't invite you? "Weh tak ajak?" In this episode, join Khaiswariya Jeyapalan, our host discuss about FOMO (fear of missing out) and how social media perpetuates that fear. Khaish is joined with our guest, Awangku Ariff Radhi and Syabil Ilham Syah, avid social media users.

Join us on https://www.facebook.com/ASEAN-Youth-Advocates-Network-Malaysia-113216940865756/

Intro and outro: Mai Tai by Jeff Kaale