Author: aliya
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Mind the Gap
When we talk about “protection,” most people immediately think of medical cards, insurance, or takaful. But here’s the thing — many Malaysians actually don’t have enough protection. This missing piece is what we call the protection gap. What is the Protection Gap? In simple words, the protection gap is the difference between what your family…
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I Wasn’t Allowed to Cry
I wasn’t allowed to cry. When I first saw my mom — Lifeless, lying in the emergency room — I cried softly and whispered, “Liya tak sempat jumpa mak.” But he said I shouldn’t cry. I couldn’t cry. If I did, it meant I was against God’s will. If I did, it meant I didn’t…
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When Silence Becomes the Strongest Answer
Have you ever encountered someone who is not a close family or friend, neither a client — who gets triggered if they can’t send you a private message, or if you don’t reply to them? I have. IT.WAS.NOT.PLEASANT. When I didn’t entertain her private message, she went the extra mile to get my attention in…
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Period Panties That Actually Feel Like a Hug
Periods aren’t exactly a walk in the park for me. The cramps, the bloating, the constant fear of leaks — sometimes it feels like my uterus is staging a full protest. That’s why what I wear during those days matters so much. I’ve been using period underwear for a while now, but recently I tried…
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Thank Yous
These past weeks I’ve learnt something new: excessive thank yous. Here’s what happened. I was showered with thank yous — excessively so. At first, I was baffled, because I wasn’t doing anything for free, you see. I was simply doing my part, and apparently, that was “approved” by her. But the moment I veered away…
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The 45kg Me Didn’t Know How Lucky She Was
I caught my reflection in the mirror today and thought, “I wish I was 45kg again.” Actually, scratch that—these days I’d be grateful to just lose 5kg. And to think, there was a time I complained about being 45kg. I’d stand there, pinching my tummy, convinced my arms looked like drumsticks. I was so critical…
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When my mom passed away
From the first day, grief hadn’t even settled into my bones before I was told — no, pressed — to follow him to the ATM, to withdraw her money. My mom’s money. My deceased mom’s money. He made sure I was alone. He didn’t want anyone else to know. But fate spared me that day.…
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Trying to help my son navigate Silent Treatment
Here’s how I’m trying to help my son navigate this, to protect his emotional health, and preserve his self-worth. And at the same time to help him understand not to do this to others especially his future family. The cycle shall stop here. 1. Reassure my son: “You’ve Done Your Part” Since he’s already apologized…
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How to Handle Sales Rejection Without Losing Your Sanity
Let’s be real—sales rejection sucks. You pour your heart into a pitch, get all hyped up, and then… bam—a big, fat NO. Sometimes they ghost you. Sometimes they say, “I’ll think about it” (spoiler: they won’t). And sometimes they shut you down so hard you start questioning all your life choices. But here’s the thing,…
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IJN – The Heartbeat of the Nation, and Beyond
When you think of world-class heart care in Malaysia, one name stands above the rest—Institut Jantung Negara (IJN). For over 30 years, IJN has been the place where life begins again, where tiny heartbeats are given a second chance, and where families from all walks of life come in search of hope—and find it. Today,…
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Aliyawanders 