The Orton-Gillingham Approach For Dyslexic Children At Altuz Academy

Dr. Choy Su-Ling, the founder of Altuz Academy and me

Dyslexia comes from the Greek language, 'Dys' means difficulty while 'Lexia' means written words. So dyslexia is a word describing some people who find it hard to learn to read and write even though their intelligence level is normal. I am a mommy of 2 children and unfortunately both of them have dyslexia. This is genetic as my husband is a dyslexic too. Children with dyslexia have difficulty in spelling, learning to read or interpret words, letters and symbols. Dyslexics usually get confused with b and d, p and q, o and c. Sometimes they write letters or numbers exactly like how you see them in the mirror. Some see the number 28 but write down on paper as 82 or see the word 'was' but write it as 'saw'.

I know some dyslexics are very bright. Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Walt Disney, Whoopi Goldberg, Lee Kuan Yew, Steven Spielberg, Leonardo Da Vinci, Steve Jobs and Cher are some examples of famous dyslexics. Some of these dyslexics are very smart because they can think out of the box and their brains are different from normal people.

Here's a short video from Youtube about dyslexia.

The lack of expert instruction and proper intervention to rectify the reading problems of dyslexic children before they fall behind in traditional schooling can lead to irreparable harm, low self-esteem and a widening gap that becomes increasingly difficult to close. This has negative societal implications and it is a crucial responsibility of parents to ensure that their dyslexic children are able to read proficiently to ensure their quality of life. 

I have been searching for right methods to teach my children since I found out that they have dyslexia a few years back. I have bought books especially for dyslexics to work on but their progress is still very slow. Recently, my friend told me about the open day at Altuz Academy to learn about the Orton-Gillingham approach and I went there to find out more.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach, the highly structured evidence-based approach to teaching reading and recognized by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), is now available in Malaysia with the opening of Altuz Academy, a premier education centre for dyslexia intervention. 

All Academic Language Therapists at the academy receive the vigorous training and supervised practicum accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) and IDA. 

“It is critically important that remedial specialists, educators and teachers working with dyslexic students be vetted, highly trained in an evidence-based approach with oversight and accountability. Literacy training should be comprehensive, accredited by an international organization and include a supervised practicum period. There should also be ongoing professional development for the sake of the children whom they work with,” said founder of Altuz Academy, Dr Choy Su-Ling. 

The Orton-Gillingham approach was developed in the 1920s by Dr Samuel Orton, a doctor who first discovered dyslexia, together with Anna Gillingham, a gifted teacher and psychologist. This approach has been further supported by over 100,000 scientific studies over 70 years that conclusively showed that a reading approach should include five important pillars: phonemic awareness, systematic phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

In the hands of a skilled instructor, this is a powerful instructional approach that benefits students of all ages and abilities so that learning becomes a rewarding experience. The key features of this approach are multisensory, sequential, incremental, cumulative, individualized, based on phonograms and explicit.

Sample of assessment test result of a child

Dr Choy, together with centre manager Yap Jo Ling, created history in the international dyslexia community by being the first two AOGPE-trained academic language therapists from Malaysia. They will continue to be observed and audited by the AOGPE to meet and maintain the high standards of teaching. 

For all parents who have children with dyslexia, you can find out more about Orton-Gillingham approach at Altuz Academy. Do check out their FACEBOOK page and get help for your children.

AirAsia X Launches Search For Joint Ambassador With Sony Malaysia

(From Left to Right) Sony Malaysia Managing Director Satoru Arai; AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail and AirAsia X Group Head of Commercial Barry Klipp flanked by cabin crew at the launch of “Through the Lens” to search for a joint ambassador for the brands.

AirAsia X today announced a new partnership with Sony Malaysia by launching a global search for the first ever joint brand ambassador to represent the leading travel and visual technology brands.

The ten-week contest, dubbed “Through the Lens” will run from 30 July to 7 October 2018. A one-year ambassadorship including air travel courtesy of AirAsia and latest Sony camera equipment can be won by sharing compelling images from any of AirAsia’s 130 plus travel destinations worldwide, via throughthelens.airasia.com.

AirAsia X Group Head of Commercial Barry Klipp said “Since its inception, AirAsia has been an enabler of air travel by providing consistently low fares. As a company, we are committed to innovation and technology and with this Sony partnership, we hope our guests will be inspired to share their travel experiences wherever AirAsia flies, through their own lens.”

Klipp added “They say a picture tells a thousand words. We launched this contest with Sony to showcase how travel experiences can be told in amazing ways visually no matter what the budget - either through a smartphone or with the best camera equipment in the market. We are searching for someone who explores any AirAsia destination and shares their favourite travel moments far and wide.”

Sony Malaysia Managing Director Satoru Arai said, "Due to the increase of smartphones penetration in the market, passion for photography has advanced rapidly in a few short years. People have started taking more aesthetic travel photos, which connect (thanks to social platforms) with complete strangers across the world. Sony, as the worldwide leader in Digital Imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, we are confident of continuing to lead the way forward, to a wider spectrum of travel photographers, from hobbyist to enthusiast. In collaboration with AirAsia, we believe we can keep the inspiration chain alive and people will start capturing the beauty of everyday life through their lens.”

The grand prize is a money can’t buy experience where as a joint ambassador, the winner will be rewarded with the chance to be a part of exciting new AirAsia travel experiences and be involved in exclusive product launches from Sony Malaysia.

The winner will also win free return Premium Flatbed seats and accommodation in Tokyo, to visit Sony’s latest technologies at their Japan headquarters, Sony’s new full frame mirrorless camera, Alpha A7 III K worth RM9,433 and a Sony h.ear on 2 wireless headphones worth RM1,093. Also up for grabs are nine consolation prizes including AirAsia X flights and a Sony RX100V camera worth RM4,299, provided weekly to the best creative story submitted on the contest's microsite.

To enter the contest, visit throughthelens.airasia.com and learn how to submit your own entry by uploading your travel photos with a creative story around it.

Keep up-to-date with AirAsia's latest promotions and activities via Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsia) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia).

JORDAN’S ‘FINDING PICASSO’ CONTEST REWARDED 30 CHILDREN AS WINNERS

Mr Eric Yong Chee Loong, country manager for JORDAN Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, with the 30 winners from both categories and ‘J’ the mascot.

At Sunway Pyramid last week, 30 children from various parts of the country were rewarded with prizes totalling RM30,000, thanks to JORDAN, Scandinavia’s leading oral care brand, at the prize-giving ceremony this Sunday.

Held for the second year running, JORDAN’s contest was opened to children aged six to nine, and ten to twelve years old, and was held over a two-month period of May and June 2018. Besides 12 consolation prizes in each category, there were prizes accorded to the second prize winner, first prize winner with the grand prize winner set to receive a basketful of products worth RM4,800.

Grand prize winner for the 6 to 9 years old category, Miss Liew Rui Yee aged 9 years old, with the the mascot 'J' and Mr Eric Yong Chee Loong, country manager for JORDAN Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd.

 Mr Eric Yong, country manager for JORDAN Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, posing with grand prize winner of the 10 to 12 years old category, Mis Choong Bee Yee, 12,  and her winning artwork displayed behind.

Through the creative approach of a colouring-cum-drawing activity, JORDAN attracts children and parents to become acquainted with its vast range of toothbrushes, flossers and toothpastes, and particularly those for children and their specific oral care needs.

Country Manager for JORDAN Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd in charge of Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan, Mr Eric Yong Chee Loong said, “JORDAN is making strong inroads in urban centres and selected towns through various activities that help us interact closer with interested customers, and the general public.

“Jordan believes in making firm relationships with customers through an educational direction that builds trust and interest and this surely turns to many converts and happy users.

“The quest to build a strong base takes time and much effort, but we at JORDAN are most committed, as we know the quality and value of the toothbrushes that bear this brand name. What’s more, the children’s range needs even more emphasis, as not many people realise the importance of appropriate toothbrushes for their milk teeth and also to fit their jaw-cum-mouth structure,” added Mr Yong.

Besides this creative exercise, JORDAN also organised roadshows to dedicated urban centres of Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Bahru and now Petaling Jaya, to interact and network with parents and children, via fun activities, educational tips about such a fundamental daily tool like a toothbrush.

JORDAN also undertook visits to 110 primary schools in Klang Valley, Penang, Kelantan and Johor, reaching out to over 44,000 children in Standards One to Three. The session taught the children and their teachers about proper oral care hygiene and the correct way to brush their teeth.

Around 1,000 entries were received from various states, including Sabah and Sarawak with the theme being ‘My Happy Day’.

Concluded Mr Yong, “Children have their own way at expressing how they view the world, and this subject gave them a chance to express what makes them happy. As a lifestyle brand, JORDAN explores the creativity of the children and still remind them about the importance of their oral care hygiene through a fun, interactive approach.”

For further information please visit Jordan's WEBSITE or FACEBOOK. 

Care For Your Feet at Sunfeet International Rehab Centre

Have you ever wondered why some people have knee pain or back pain? There are many reasons for that such as lack of calcium, carried heavy things and walked too much. Do you know that one of the reasons could be related to the feet problem they have? I never knew that knee pain or back pain could be related to feet problem until after my visit to Sunfeet International Rehab Centre. When I was there, Dato Dr. Edmund Lee (Orthotist & Prosthetist specialist) gave a good talk about feet care and I understood a lot more about the different types of foot and how to care for my feet. 

Dato Dr Edmund Lee & me

Dato Dr Edmund Lee's father, Mr Lee Joo Wee founded Sunfeet International Rehab Centre to fulfil Mr. Lee Yin, his late father's wish to establish orthotics and prosthetics rehabilitation centre to help people with physical impairment and musculoskeletal disabilities.

There are generally 5 types of feet people have - flat, severe flat, normal, high arch and pronated. You can come to Sunfeet to get your free feet analysis done. If you do happen to have any foot problem, Sunfeet can fix your feet without any surgery or medication. Sunfeet uses Foot Mobilisation & Manipulation Therapy (FMT) and can recommend orthotic insole or healthy shoes.

I had my free feet analysis done using the biomechanical machine and had my foot analysis report printed out. My left and right feet are both slightly low arch type but still considered as normal feet. I was very happy to know I have normal feet. 

People who have flat feet, severe flat, high arch or pronated feet need to get help before the condition worsens. Women who have bunion problem because of wearing high heals & tight shoes need to get help too. 

If you can't find comfortable or good shoes, you can come here to check out the shoes  and insoles Sunfeet sells. 

The process of making insoles is really fast and easy. It is painless and anyone including children can get their insoles done. 

There is a nice & spacious room where Sunfeet Fitness classes are held for feet exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance for feet, knee and spine. Stretching and exercises are really good for your feet. 

There is good news because Sunfeet International Rehab Centre is giving 10% off for all shoes and custom orthotics using this promotion code : LoveSunfeet3939

If you want to get your feet checked for free or if any of your family and friends have feet problems, you can bring them to Sunfeet International Rehab Centre. 

For more information, please visit their FACEBOOK or WEBSITE.

Sunfeet International Rehab Centre
Block C, 18 Jalan 19/1,
Seksyen 19, 46300 Petaling Jaya, 
Selangor.

Contact: 013-5283939

Open daily from 10am to 7pm.

Moist Diane Combines The Wonder Of Nature & The Powers Of Science - Japan's Leading Hair Care Brand Debuts In Watsons

It is everyone's dream to have smooth, healthy and shiny hair. Asian hair is usually thicker but less dense than Caucasian hair and can be prone to frizz. I have long hair and sometimes it's tangled and hard to manage. The good news is that Moist Diane products can help the most tangled hair to be in tip top condition.

Moist Diane, Japan’s leading silicone-free hair care brand, has combined the wonders of nature and the powers of science to launch its new Perfect Beauty series, a renewal of their signature Argan Oil series. Since the launch of the range in September last year in Japan , a million bottles were sold in just ten days! A renewal of their signature Argan Oil series, the new mega launch comprises six shampoos and six treatment products that are enriched with Organic Moroccan Argan Oil and Customised Beauty Keratin to address different hair concerns of Asian women.

“We are pleased to have one of Japan’s most sellable brand in hair care available at Watsons. At Watsons, we constantly pay attention to the needs of our customers and one of the top concerns of our customers are getting the right hair care treatment. With a vast number of brands available to address hair care needs, it is important that our customers can differentiate which hair care brand would meet their specific needs. Moist Diane’s new Perfect Beauty range addresses the needs and requirements of Asian hair, where our environment tends to cause the build-up of sebum on our scalp, causing oily, dull, limp or less-than-beautiful hair. With the innovative formulation from Moist Diane which is not chemically harmful to the hair, our customers will be able to choose from a vast range six shampoos and six treatment products that suits their hair care needs. It is no doubt that when your hair looks good, it personifies inner confidence and we standby with Watsons motto of “Look Good, Feel Great”, said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia.

The new Perfect Beauty series by Moist Diane consists of six shampoos and six treatment products that target different hair types and concerns of Asian women. Other than being silicone-free, the newly formulated series is colour-safe and sulphate-free (except Extra Fresh variant). In addition, all the products are enriched with the goodness of ECOCERT certified Organic Moroccan Argan Oil and customised with Beauty Keratin in an elegant and pretty pump packaging designed with the brand’s trademark diamond shaped pattern that resembles a luxurious fragrance bottle.

“We are grateful to be able to launch Moist Diane in Watsons. As we all know, Watsons is rated as Asia’s No. 1 Health and Beauty retailer, we have trusted and valued Watsons support for the brand. When we first launched Moist Diane Argan Oil Shampoo series back in 2015, our distribution in Watsons started at just 180 stores. As of today, we have expanded to more than 450 Watsons stores nationwide. I am excited to announce the new series of Moist Diane - the Perfect Beauty range, the renewal of the signature Moroccan Argan Oil series”, said Dexter Lee, President of Mandom Malaysia.

During the Moist Diane Perfect Beauty media launch event at the Forum, KL, the winner of “She Is Diane” was selected among social media influencers who had participated in the “search” where each influencer had to upload at least two Instagram postings of them participating in a positive passionate cause, for instance, volunteering in charitable, environmental and educational causes after they have used the new Perfect Beauty range by Moist Diane, within a time period of ten days. They were then required to share with their fans on what it meant to have ‘Perfect Beauty’ – beauty that is inside and out. During the event the contestants had to introduce themselves to the panel of judges done in a catwalk style, holding a placard that represented their passion for their personal cause and also revealed the product from the Perfect Beauty range that they had used. The aim of the “She Is Diane” search was for inner beauty, strength and the free spirit that embodies the brand. The winner of the search will walk away with products worth RM2000, RM1000 and RM500 respectively for First, Second and Third Winner, while the rest of the contestants will receive consolation prizes worth of RM100 products each.

The event was launched by Dexter Lee, President of Mandom, Shinichi Takata, Senior Executive Director of Mandom, Tiger (Mr. Keigo Hishiya), Managing Director of Naturelab, Claire Shih, Overseas Marketing and Sales Director of Naturelab, Danny Hoh, Customer Director of Watsons Malaysia and Thoren Tan, Trading Director of Watsons Malaysia, with members of the media and the blogger community. A Moist Diane product information sharing session was also held as part of the event, where Tiger (Mr. Keigo Hishiya), gave his insights on Moist Diane products to the attendees.

The customized Beauty Keratin in each Shampoo and Treatment product, works in tandem with the Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, to render healthy and beautiful hair for every Asian lady: 

• Extra Damage Repair – Amino Keratin provides deep intensive repair to gaps and holes on the  hair surface. 
• Extra Moist and Shine – Platinum Keratin helps restore moisture and creates more surface area to reflect light and form a natural “angel ring” glow around the crown. • Extra Fresh and Hydrate – Feather Keratin leaves hair hydrated, light and airy. 
• Extra Volume and Scalp – Volumizing Keratin adds body to flat, limp hair and soothes sensitive scalp. 
• Extra Smooth and Straight – Cuticle Keratin infuses moisture back into dry and coarse hair, tames frizzy hair and smoothes damaged hair cuticles. 
• Extra Vital – Vitalizing Keratin nourishes scalp and restores hair strength and vitality     

A‘head’ of Science 
In addition to the Organic Moroccan Argan Oli and customised Beauty Keratin, the Moist Diane Perfect Beauty range is also powered by three key scientific features: 

1. Nano Repair Matrix – this sensor technology helps to detect damaged hair and allows the nano-sized Organic Argan Oil and Beauty Keratin capsules to be absorbed into layers of the hair, and in turn repairs and nourishes the hair structure; 

 2. Nano Repair EL – a unique ingredient that is activated by heat from the hair dryer. Once it detects the heat, the Nano Repair EL penetrates into the hair shaft to boost hair elasticity, radiance and resilience giving supple hair! 

3. Moist Diane Original Gentle Cleansing Complex – this cleansing system gently cleanses and rejuvenates the hair without any burden. In addition, it helps to removes impurities and dirt from the hair and at the same time, providing care for the hair with its rich lather. 

To ensure that all the ingredients used are of the best quality and give glowing results to users of the Moist Diane Perfect Beauty series, numerous rounds of stringent tests, such as Hair Damage Test, Hair Smoothness Test, Hair Lustre Test, Hair Manageability Test, User Satisfaction Test and Hair Strength & Elasticity Test, were conducted prior to its launch. 

To know more about Moist Diane products, please visit their FACEBOOK or WEBSITE.

Swiss Dream Circus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My family and I love to watch circus performances as it always entertain us with amazing performances and laughter from clowns. This year, we are very happy to know that Swiss Dream Circus will be performing their fourth edition circus performance at Desa Parkcity opposite Plaza Arkadia, Kuala Lumpur from 17th August to 9th September 2018. 

From left to right: Marco Baumgartner (Founder & Producer) and Ismail Stork (Marketing & Organization)

Internationally acclaimed performers from all over the world are here to take the audience on a journey full of dreams and fantasies. "SWISS" stands for quality, "DREAM" for diving into another world and "CIRCUS" for a truly family-centered entertainment which awakens old childhood memories all at once. I am sure watching this circus performance would bring back lots of childhood memories for me. 

Below are some of the performances that will be performed at the Swiss Dream Circus soon. 

Evgenia – Violinist & Songstress from Russia

For the first time the Swiss Dream Circus presents a violinist. Experience this young exceptional artist as she enchants you with her violin and supports the other acts throughout the show. Evgenia will also inspire you with her beautiful voice. The combination of live violin and harmonic performance opens up completely new possibilities to add to the charm of the show.

Isabela Pessolano – Aerial Ring from Venezuela

For the first time, Swiss Dream Circus combines two different branches of the arts into a beautiful duet. Be enchanted as Isabela floats in the air while she is accompanied by Evgenia’s enchanting violin playing. An awesome visual treat that makes you forget just how much power the artists need to make it look so harmonious.

Yurie Basiul – Handstand Act from Moldova

Yurie Basiul is a shooting star in the circus art industry and has already enchanted the audience with his "dream in white" on many major stages. He astounds the audience with his physical strength. His movements seem weightless, a result of years of hard training. It just looks so easy. Get ready to be blown away. 

Maria & Alex – Pole Act from Romania

A great pole act is one that is both smooth and graceful. This artistic discipline is particularly difficult and requires enormous power and strength. These two award-winning Romanian artists are true masters of their craft and enchant their audience with a loving and seemingly effortless staging.

Flames & Co – Diabolo from France

Jean and Morgan, the French duo, amaze with their virtuoso diabolo act. Awarded at the Festival International du Cirque du Loir-et-Cher in France and now after a guest appearance in Switzerland they are now on tour with Swiss Dream Circus. An old Chinese toy has encouraged them to create a fantastic performance. It is magical when the burning diabolo flies high in the circus dome. A mix of dance and incredible moves make this act a very special experience.

Trio Naumov – Russian Bar from Russia

This exceptional award-winning trio was once part of world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. Their main apparatus is the Russian Bar – a thin fibreglass bar that supports one while resting on the shoulders of strong porters. The acrobat performs incredible movements, don’t miss their legendary triple somersault that is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat.

Duo Romance – Aerial act from Romania

This award-winning couple from the Romanian State Circus Globus has amazing power and elegance as they present a wonderful act which combines sensuality with just the right amount of risk – creating an unforgettable “Love Story” in the air. Get ready to be mesmerized by this amazing couple as they counterbalance gravity with their impressive figures in the circus dome.

Clown Tirro – Clown from Venezuela

South American Clown Tirro has spread laughter and joy throughout many countries in his 10 year career; with his provocative nature, he makes irony and fine sarcasm his mean of expression. Come and see his effortless interaction with the crowd and be tickled by his funny antics. I am sure my son will love his funny acts very much.

Igor & Tatiana – Knife Throwing Act from Russia

Real life couple Tatiana & Igor like to do “dangerous things” together. This is their first time in Asia and they are looking forward to amaze the Malaysian audience. Knife throwing is one of the oldest disciplines in circus. Today it is rarely seen. When playing with the knives, a precise throwing technique is required, which is mastered by Igor excellently. When Tatiana turns around on a rotating platform and the knives get stuck in the board next to her, the audience will catch their breath.

Isabela & Ernesto – Cradle Act from Venezuela

This Venezuelan duo have dedicated their art to a very special prop – the Russian Cradle. Unbelievable jumps are performed by Isabela but she always lands safely in the trusty arms of Ernesto. Trust and precision are extremely necessary to perform this act. In the past, they have performed primarily in South America and are looking forward to show-off their skills for the first time in Malaysia. 

Jean – Drone Comedy from France

Jean has many artistic talents and one is certainly his humorous side. Jean and his drone. A funny parody between man and machine. For a short time, the Drone almost becomes a pet. An idiosyncratic Drone can be tamed, Jean proves in a sympathetic way.

I am sure this would be a very impressive and entertaining circus performance and my family can't wait to see it. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets starting from 16th July 2018. Book early for early bird discounts. Tickets can be booked at Swiss Dream Circus website HERE. To see a sneak preview of the circus performance, read my blog post HERE.

To find out more about Swiss Dream Circus, please visit their WEBSITE or FACEBOOK.