November is Here: Reinventing

So, it is almost a week since Kwek gave his talk at the department. The attendance is around 30 (including my own students and acquaintances from other universities). I was hoping for more, but I have 'given up'  on convincing our locals - they can come or not come as they wish. In any case, I have put up the talk on YouTube for people to watch. Below is the video:

Have invited Kwek several times to UPM, since I was with ITMA and then later INSPEM. Have pushed for certain quantum initiatives in UPM but so far with very little success. We have our own small theory group but I was hoping it will get bigger while I am still with UPM. Now, I will leave this 'task' to my younger colleagues. 

In our informal discussions before and after the talk, Kwek has offered to set up some joint journal club. I told him, I personally would love that, but I mentioned that his group is much more advanced than us and was worried it may not work out well. In the past, I would probably get scolded for my frank admission and may be accused of not putting up a 'good image'. For me, pride or image is not the goal but it is (genuine) scientific progress. In fact, if one looks at the many well-known international researchers that I have invited over, the intent is essentially to learn. If there is any collaboration that come out of these, it will be a bonus. Whatever collaborations that arise should be organic and are of mutual interest, though this will put the burden on us to buck up and be equal in terms of scientific skills and ideas. Most of the time, however, we will be more of the recipient end. As such, I am always grateful to Kwek, Twareque Ali and others who are more than willing to help us and sympathetic with our efforts and goals. For now, it will have to be the younger generation to continue whatever we have done.

With me about to retire, I will probably have to reinvent myself to take up new things or join other places if they are interested. I have given what I can to the university, even if these are considered small to others. My plea is to let me retire in peace without too much trouble. In particular, translating literally a Malay saying, not to put sand in my rice bowl. I have tried to be a good worker in whatever organization I'm in. Having been in some managerial position before, I know how unpleasant things can be, with all the office politics. For those who don't quite like me, I will be leaving soon and for now, let us not cross path too much.

On personal matters, my house is still being renovated and I'm shuttling between a budget hotel and home. Things have been difficult for us but I hope this is for our better future. We have also helped buy a new car for my son since the car he was using, is getting too old for frequent travels to KLIA where he is working. He works six days a week and usually at odd hours and so he need a reliable piece of transport.

My youngest has also gotten his driving license recently; he is all grown up now. After his Covid-disrupted SPM, he is still waiting to be admitted to a university or college. There is still a long way ahead and with my retirement soon, I hope I can still support his studies until he gets a comfortable enough job. Last Monday, we had a small birthday celebration for my eldest.

He deserved the celebration as he helped look after the house during renovation together with my youngest) and endured all the noisy and dusty environment (not really healthy but we have the budget hotel rooms if he wants to get away for a while).

On another discomforting matter, my brother-in-law has been readmitted to the hospital due to long covid symptoms. So far, he is coping and I hope he stays strong.

Finally, may Allah help me in building a better future.