A Master's Degree, A Family Photo, and an Unfinished Dream

On paper, 22 July 2026 was my convocation day. I officially graduated with a Master of Marketing from Sunway Business School, Sunway University, through Sunway University Online, and received the Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award for academic excellence.

More Than a Convocation Day

Emotionally, the day was never only about the scroll, the robe or the award. It was also about returning to an unfinished dream from 23 years ago and finally taking the family photo I once did not get to have.

I was not graduating as a fresh graduate in my early 20s but as a working mother in my mid-40s, with a husband, two children, work responsibilities, family commitments, and a very full life outside the classroom.

This was not the kind of academic journey where studying was the main thing I had to do. It was something I had to fit into the spaces between everything else.

So when the day finally came, it felt like more than a ceremony. It felt like visible proof of all the invisible effort that had taken place quietly behind the scenes.

The Photo I Did Not Have 23 Years Ago

One of the most personal reasons I wanted to pursue this postgraduate journey was not only academic; it was also emotional.

I wanted to wear the graduation robe and take a photo with my own family.

That may sound simple, but for me, it carried a memory from 23 years ago. When I completed my undergraduate studies at Universiti Malaya, I did not manage to take that graduation photo with my parents because life and circumstances were different back then. I moved on, as people do, but I think some unfinished things quietly stay with us even when we do not talk about them often.

Over the years, that small missing moment remained somewhere in my heart. It was not a dramatic regret, but it was there. A photo that never happened and a milestone that was completed but not fully captured with the people who mattered.

This time, I was certain I wanted a different ending.

I wanted my husband and children to be there. I wanted that photo not because I needed to prove anything to them, but because they are such a huge part of this season of my life. They are the people who live with the daily version of me, not only the polished version who appears on convocation day.

In a sense, when I finally wore the robe and took photos with them, it felt like I was not only celebrating the Master's degree. I was also gently closing a loop that had been open for more than two decades.

Studying Again as a Working Mother

Completing a Master's as a working mother in my mid-40s was no easy feat. I do not say this to make it sound more heroic than it was, but because it is important to acknowledge the reality behind adult learning.

Studying at this stage of life is different. You no longer have the luxury of being only a student. Your mind is constantly divided between work, family, health, responsibilities, deadlines, bills, meals, school runs, and the many invisible tasks that come with being an adult and a parent.

There were times when I had to switch quickly from work mode to study mode and then back into mother mode or when I had to finish up assignments when what I really wanted was sleep. I sometimes did wonder why I was doing this to myself when life was already busy enough.

But the honest answer is this: I love it.

I love the learning, thinking, analysing ideas, connecting patterns, asking better questions, and challenging myself academically throughout the journey. I love the feeling of stretching my mind and realising that I am still capable of growing in ways that are not limited by age, job title, family stage or life season.

In many ways, this Master's journey reminded me of a part of myself that has always been there, i.e., the part that enjoys studying not because it is easy but because it gives me a sense of meaning, and I love finding satisfaction in understanding something more deeply.

Why Academic Excellence Mattered to Me

Receiving the Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award made this journey even more meaningful.

I know awards do not define a person's worth, and achievement is never the full measure of a life. But I would be dishonest if I said this recognition did not matter to me deeply.

There is something powerful about being recognised at this stage of life. In our 40s, many of us are already used to being responsible, capable and practical. We often do what needs to be done without expecting too much applause. We keep the household running, meet work deadlines, show up for our children, and manage the emotional load of many things at once.

So when recognition does come, it can touch a deeper place than we expect.

For me, the award was meaningful not because it made the journey valid, but because it reminded me that effort, discipline and persistence do matter. It reminded me that academic excellence was not something I had left behind in my younger years; I could still return to study, do it seriously, and complete it well.

It was an honour to receive the award on stage from Professor Dato' Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education. That moment will stay with me for a long time.

More Than a Qualification

Looking back, this Master's journey gave me much more than a qualification.

It gave me confidence and intellectual energy and reminded me that learning is still one of the places where I feel most alive.

It helped me reconnect with a part of myself that enjoys academic challenge, critical thinking and the discipline of doing something properly.

It also made me wonder whether academia may be a path I can one day contribute to meaningfully. I do not know yet how that path will unfold, and I am not rushing to define everything too quickly. But I know that this journey has opened a door in me.

It has reminded me that some interests do not disappear simply because life becomes full. Some dreams do not expire. They simply wait for the right version of us to return.

Done and dusted, for now.

Once a Sunwayian, always a Sunwayian.

First Impressions of GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew: A Malaysian Brand That Caught My Attention

Over the past few weeks, I've somehow fallen into a Korean skincare rabbit hole. It started with writing about my surprisingly simple midlife skincare routine. That led me to researching trending Korean skincare ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, PDRN, EGF, NAD+, and skin longevity.

So when I came across GloLab+, a Malaysian skincare brand founded by three friends, I became curious. Not just because they are my friends, but because I wanted to know whether their formulation philosophy would align with everything I'm currently using.

A Quick Disclosure

Let me begin by saying that I know the founders of GloLab+ personally. However, this is not a paid collaboration. I bought the products on my own and no one asked me to write this article.

If anything, knowing them made me more hesitant to write about the products because I wanted to judge them on their own merits rather than on friendship.

Fortunately, after looking through the formulations and trying both products, I found myself evaluating them the same way I would evaluate any other skincare product that I own.

What Caught My Attention

One thing I've realised recently is that my interest in skincare has changed. These days, when I want to purchase any skincare product, I ask a few crucial questions, which were also the questions I had in mind when I looked at GloLab+.

• Does it support the skin barrier?
• Will I actually enjoy using it every day?
• Does the formulation make sense?
• Is it trying to improve skin health rather than simply promising perfect skin?

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution

Dazzle Bloom All-in-One Skin Solution is the first product launched by GloLab+. On paper, it combines several things that already appeal to me:

• SPF50 PA++++ mineral sun protection
• Ceramides (Ceramide AP, Ceramide AS, Ceramide EOP)
• Hyaluronic acid
• A lightweight, less greasy texture designed for daily wear

I'm a big believer in sunscreen, and I've become very convinced that sunscreen is still the single most important skincare product we use every day. Everything else is secondary.

What I appreciate about Dazzle Bloom is that it doesn't treat sunscreen as a separate afterthought. Instead, it incorporates barrier-supporting ingredients into a product that is already doing the most important job of protecting the skin from UVA and UVB damage.

The use of zinc oxide (a filter used widely in mineral sunscreen) also stood out to me. Usually, mineral sunscreens are often criticised for leaving a white cast or feeling heavy on the face, which is why I only use Korean sunscreens with chemical filters.

But Dazzle Bloom's formula manages to change my perception of mineral sunscreen. It remains comfortable enough for everyday use, without the feeling of excessive greasiness in Malaysia's hot and humid climate. See my testimonial below.

In summary, Dazzle Bloom simplifies your mornings by being a moisturiser + mineral sunscreen + glow primer.

Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream

The second product, Dazzle Dew Peptide Recovery Cream, interested me for a different reason. Rather than trying to be another "miracle anti-ageing cream", the formulation focuses on recovery, hydration, and skin resilience, which you could describe as 'recovery' instead of 'overcorrection'.

Looking at the ingredient philosophy, several familiar names immediately stood out.

• Copper Tripeptide-1 – the star ingredient that seals the deal for me to use Dazzle Dew. Copper Tripeptide-1 is a widely respected peptide known for skin repair, collagen signalling, and wound healing.
• Panthenol for soothing and hydration.
• Niacinamide for barrier support and uneven skin tone.
• Sodium hyaluronate and multiple humectants for lasting hydration.

Copper Tripeptide-1

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide that has gained attention for its role in supporting skin repair and collagen production. It is often used in skincare products designed to improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall resilience.

While it's not a miracle ingredient, I like that it aligns with the growing focus on helping the skin recover and function well over time rather than simply masking the visible signs of ageing.

As someone navigating midlife skin, that makes far more sense to me than chasing dramatic overnight transformations.

What I Appreciated Most

Interestingly, it wasn't any single ingredient that impressed me the most; it was the overall formulation philosophy. Neither product tries to overwhelm the user with every trending skincare buzzword. Instead, both products seem to prioritise skin barrier health, hydration, protection, and recovery.

That might not sound particularly exciting compared to products marketed around the latest viral ingredient. But after spending weeks reading about skin longevity, I've come to appreciate that healthy skin is often built on consistently doing the basics well.

The current skincare trend is becoming less about chasing flawless "glass skin" and more about maintaining healthy, resilient skin that functions well over time.

Perhaps that's why GloLab+ caught my attention. Although it is a Malaysian brand, the underlying philosophy feels surprisingly familiar: barrier support, hydration, protection, recovery. These are exactly the principles that have quietly reshaped the way I now think about skincare.

That's ultimately what I found most interesting about GloLab+, not because it's a Malaysian brand or because I know the founders. But because after weeks of exploring Korean skincare philosophies, I discovered something unexpectedly familiar a little closer to home.

GloLab+ Dazzle Bloom & Dazzle Dew Travel Kit

For those who travel frequently, GloLab+ has also put together a Dazzle Travel Kit containing miniature versions of Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew. It follows the same uncomplicated approach that I appreciate: protect your skin during the day, support recovery at night, and keep your routine simple enough that you won't be tempted to skip it just because you're away from home.

Where to Buy Dazzle Bloom and Dazzle Dew

GloLab+ Official Store

GloLab+ Shopee

GloLab+ TikTok Shop

What Project Hail Mary Says About Courage, Life, and the Small Things That Matter

Note: This image is created with the help of ChatGPT; please excuse how Rocky looks.

Project Hail Mary Is Not the Sci-Fi Movie You'd Expect

I watched Project Hail Mary expecting a sci-fi story about saving Earth from an extinction-level crisis. But what stayed with me was not the science or the mission. It was how the movie explored resilience and the kind of courage that was obviously absent at the beginning of the protagonist's story.

Dr Ryland Grace, the protagonist, is not introduced as a typical hero. Well, this is not a superhero movie. Yes, he is an intelligent and knowledgeable scientist, but he is also reluctant and clearly does not want to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He does not want to volunteer for a one-way ticket mission. He does not initially believe that being qualified means he must be willing to die.

That is why his eventual transformation towards the end of the movie is really meaningful. Initially you could call him a messed-up coward. But his bravery develops gradually, through circumstances that force him to decide what matters most when there are no easy options left.

Courage Does Not Always Begin With Willingness

One of the strongest parts of Grace's character arc is that he does not begin as a hero. He does not give a grand speech about saving humanity (ref: 1996 Independence Day movie), nor does he willingly step forward when asked to risk his life. In fact, he resists the idea because he understands exactly what the mission may cost him.

Image Credit: Cinemablend

His reluctance could easily have made him unlikeable, but instead it makes him more human. Most people would probably hesitate if they were told that their knowledge made them useful, but that using it could also mean never seeing Earth again.

Grace's fear is reasonable, and the movie does not treat self-preservation as a moral failure. As the movie progresses, what changes him is not a sudden personality shift. It is a series of decisions made under pressure, where he repeatedly chooses to continue solving the next problem even when he is afraid, uncertain, or physically exhausted.

By the time he has the opportunity to return to Earth, he is no longer the same person who initially refused to sacrifice himself. He has already endured isolation, memory loss, failure, danger, and the responsibility of knowing that billions of lives depend on what he does next. More importantly, he has formed a friendship with Rocky that becomes as real and important to him as his responsibility to Earth.

When Grace realises that Rocky may not survive the journey home, he is faced with a final decision. He can continue towards Earth and preserve his own chance of returning, or he can turn back and save his friend. This time, nobody forces him, nor is there an authority figure making the decision for him, and there is no guarantee that his sacrifice will be recognised.

He turns back because it is the right thing to do. That moment is powerful because Grace's courage is no longer theoretical. He makes the critical decision when it matters, even though it costs him his potential future back on Earth.

Fragile Yet Brave

Ryan Gosling's performance makes this transformation believable because he does not play Grace as someone who suddenly becomes fearless. Grace remains emotionally vulnerable, physically limited and sometimes overwhelmed by the situation he is in.

He panics, doubts himself, gets frustrated, and grieves. And yet, he continues. This combination of fragility and bravery is what gives the character emotional weight. Grace's courage exists alongside fear. He does not stop being afraid; he simply becomes capable of acting despite it.

There is something empowering about watching a character who does not fit the conventional image of a heroic saviour. Grace is not a soldier, an astronaut or an action hero. He is a scientist and a teacher who must use observation, logic, improvisation and persistence to survive.

His strength lies in his ability to keep thinking when circumstances become impossible. When he makes mistakes, he adapts. When his plans fail, he tries a different approach. His resilience is not dramatic in the usual cinematic sense but in the repeated act of trying again.

Rocky Is Not the Alien We Usually See

I also loved the way Rocky was designed and written. Sci-fi movies often rely on generally recognisable visuals when portraying alien life, such as grey or green skin, oversized eyes, humanoid bodies or insect-like features. They are also frequently presented as threats, invaders or predators whose existence immediately places humanity in danger.

Rocky is none of these things. He is not humanoid (well, in all fairness, he does look like an arachnid); his body, environment, language, and biology are genuinely alien. Yet despite those differences, his personality is immediately captivating.

Image Credit: Project Hail Mary Wiki

He is intelligent, curious, loyal, practical and capable of forming a deep emotional connection with Grace. Their friendship develops through shared work, mutual dependence, and the gradual construction of trust. They begin as two beings who cannot even communicate, yet they eventually become partners who understand one another beyond language.

The movie makes Rocky lovable by showcasing that friendship can form even when two lives are radically different. This is one of the most hopeful ideas in the story.

Life Is Not Always a Monster

Another aspect of Project Hail Mary that I found fascinating was the way the movie portrayed life itself.

The central threat is not an army of violent aliens. There is no hostile civilisation planning to invade Earth, and there are no giant creatures attacking cities. The crisis is caused by a microscopic life form known as the 'Astrophage' that feeds on stellar energy and gradually reduces the output of stars.

The solution is also microscopic. 'Taumoeba' is another single-celled organism, small enough to be overlooked yet powerful enough to change the fate of entire solar systems because it feeds on 'Astrophage'.

Image Credit: Geek Tyrant

This creates an interesting contrast with the way life is often portrayed in science fiction. Alien life is usually imagined as something large, visible and threatening. In Project Hail Mary, life exists at the smallest possible scale, but its consequences are enormous.

Astrophage is not evil. Taumoeba is not heroic. They are simply organisms behaving according to their biology. One consumes energy. The other consumes the first organism. Neither understands that planets, civilisations and billions of lives depend on their existence.

That simplicity makes the story more interesting because the survival of two intelligent species ultimately depends on understanding the behaviour of single cells.

Small Things Can Change Everything

Rocky says that "life is reason", and that idea runs through the entire movie. Life does not need to be physically large, technologically advanced or emotionally complex to have significance. Astrophage and Taumoeba are tiny organisms, but each one has the ability to change the future of entire worlds.

The same can be said of many of Grace's decisions. His story is shaped by a series of smaller choices, not in a dramatic, heroic way. He investigates, communicates, and trusts Rocky. At the very climax of the movie, he chooses to turn his ship around to save his best friend.

Each decision appears limited to the immediate problem in front of him, but together they determine the survival of Earth, Erid and Rocky.

This is perhaps the part of the movie that resonated with me the most. We often associate meaningful change with large gestures, major achievements or highly visible acts of courage. Yet many important outcomes begin with something smaller, such as one decision, or one piece of information, or one person refusing to give up.

Small does not mean insignificant. Sometimes the smallest element in a system becomes the one thing capable of changing everything.

Doing What Matters When It Becomes Necessary

By the end of the film, Grace has become the kind of person he initially did not believe himself capable of becoming.

He does not save two worlds because he always knows what to do. He saves them because he remains willing to learn what must be done next. He does not return to Earth as a celebrated hero. He chooses to remain on Erid, where he continues teaching and begins a life completely different from the one he left behind.

There is something fitting about that ending. Grace does not need public recognition to validate what he has done. His growth is already visible in the fact that he willingly chose responsibility, friendship and sacrifice when those choices became necessary.

That is what makes Project Hail Mary such a beautiful and powerful story.

Inside My First StyleKorean Mid-Year Beauty Box

Buying My Birthday Present

As a woman in my mid-40s, I have shifted my skincare usage to increasingly focus on hydration, pigmentation care, a healthy skin barrier, and healthier ageing. I'm always curious to discover Korean skincare products that might fit into my simple routine.

I came across StyleKorean's beauty box through a friend's social media post. I was instantly intrigued, and since June is my birthday month, I decided to treat myself to StyleKorean's Mid-Year June Beauty Box.

Aside from buying myself a birthday present, the combination of well-known Korean skincare brands, attractive pricing, and the element of surprise finally convinced me to place my first order from StyleKorean.

So, long story short, this isn't going to be a traditional unboxing or a product-by-product review. I haven't tested everything yet, and I don't think it would be fair to make claims after only opening the box.

Instead, I'm going to share what's inside my very first StyleKorean beauty box, along with my first impressions and the products I'm most excited to try. Cool?

What Is the StyleKorean Mid-Year Beauty Box?

For anyone unfamiliar with it, StyleKorean occasionally releases limited-edition beauty boxes featuring a curated selection of Korean skincare and beauty products.

Rather than purchasing individual items, buyers receive a box containing multiple full-sized products from different brands at a significantly lower price than buying them separately.

Part of the appeal is discovering brands or products that you may never have considered purchasing on their own. It's a little like opening a lucky draw, except you already know the products have been carefully selected by a retailer that specialises in Korean beauty.

They actually have a July version now called the StyleKorean Bestie Pink Box!

Why I Finally Decided to Buy One

First, let me reiterate that I'm not a beauty blogger. But it's my birthday in June, and honestly, curiosity got the better of me.

Also, the value looked good, there were several brands I already recognised, and I thought it would be a fun way to discover products outside my usual shopping list.

Sometimes it's nice to let someone else curate the experience.

I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the ordering process was, and the package arrived well protected.

Then came the fun part: the unboxing! Opening the box felt surprisingly exciting. Even though I already knew the list of products, seeing everything neatly arranged in front of me somehow made the purchase feel worthwhile.

Another advantage of buying a beauty box is that it gives me plenty of options without feeling pressured to use everything immediately.

Everything Inside My Mid-Year June Box

One of the first things I noticed was the variety. Instead of receiving products from just one brand, the box included skincare from several Korean beauty brands covering different steps of a skincare routine.

Some were brands I had already used before, while others were completely new to me.

• Numbuzin No. 9 NAD Retinal Volumetox Eye Cream
• Dr.Althea Melaclear Cream
• VT Cosmetics PDRN Capsule Cream
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Capsule Ampoule
• haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier NAD+ Serum Mist
• Medicube Red Acne Body Peeling Shot
• moev Annurcatin Hair Tonic
• Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly
• Dr.Ceuracle Pro Balance Night Enzyme Wash
• SUNGBOON EDITOR Deep Collagen Power Boosting Cream In Serum
• iUNIK Beta Glucan Power Moisture Serum
• Mary&May Spicule Collagen 1000 PDRN Cream
• heimish Ever Glow Glaze Colour Balm

That's probably one of the biggest attractions of these beauty boxes. They allow you to try products that you might otherwise overlook while shopping individually.

As I unpacked everything, a few products stood out almost immediately. Some appealed to me because of their ingredients. Others simply looked like they would fit naturally into my existing skincare routine.

Since I'm now in my mid-40s, I tend to gravitate towards products that focus on hydration, skin barrier support, pigmentation, and maintaining healthy-looking skin rather than chasing dramatic anti-ageing promises. You can check out my simple routine for midlife skin.

I'm particularly interested in ingredients such as niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C. The latest buzzword, PDRN, has also made its way onto this list. Learn more about the Korean skincare ingredients I'm using and watching in 2026.

Whenever I see products featuring these ingredients, they usually move closer to the front of my "to try" list.

Highlight: Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly

One product that immediately caught my attention was Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly. What I like about its inclusion is that it reminds us beauty isn't just skin deep. You need good nutrients / supplements too.

Foodology Coleology Cutting Jelly is a low-calorie Korean jelly supplement that's taken after meals to help manage cravings, support digestion, and reduce carbohydrate absorption. I thought it was a thoughtful addition to the box.

Was the Beauty Box Worth Buying?

Yes! Not because I expect every single product to become a permanent favourite, but because the overall experience was genuinely enjoyable.

The box introduced me to brands I haven't explored before, gave me products I probably wouldn't have purchased individually, and offered good value compared to buying everything separately.

Sometimes the enjoyment comes from the discovery itself rather than finding one miracle product.

Would I Buy Another StyleKorean Beauty Box?

I probably would, although not every release. The theme, participating brands and product selection would still influence my decision.

This first purchase helped me understand why these limited-edition boxes have developed such a loyal following.

For someone like me who enjoys Korean skincare but doesn't constantly shop for new launches, a curated beauty box offers a refreshing way to discover new products without spending hours deciding what to buy.

I'll probably revisit this box again in a few months to share which products earned a permanent place in my skincare routine. Until then, this first unboxing has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Note: This is an honest purchase and not a sponsored collaboration. All opinions are based on my own first impressions after purchasing the StyleKorean Mid-Year June Beauty Box.