I come from beautiful Malaysia, a country rich in vibrant cultures, traditions, and incredible food. Growing up in a lower middle-class family, I learned early on the importance of financial stability, best achieved through a solid education leading to a well-paying career.
With financial support from my aunt and encouragement from my parents, I attended top schools and engaged in various extracurricular activities. Along the way, I discovered Taekwondo. What started as an after-school activity became a defining part of my life, instilling discipline, respect, and perseverance. More than just a martial art, Taekwondo became a guiding philosophy—one I wanted to share with the younger generation.
By sixteen, I was teaching Taekwondo to children and teenagers on weekends while pursuing my studies. After graduation, I became a tax consultant—a demanding job requiring long hours and mental resilience. Though I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, the stress took a toll. Taekwondo became my refuge, helping me maintain balance.
After nearly six years, I reached a crossroads. Despite financial stability, I felt unfulfilled. My passion lay in Taekwondo, not tax calculations. The leap from a corporate career to sports management was daunting, but I knew I had to try. I wanted to contribute more meaningfully to the sport I loved.
Unsure where to begin, I discovered the Dream Together Master’s (DTM) program—an ideal stepping stone into sports leadership. After working hard to secure a scholarship, I was thrilled to join the 11th batch.
One of my most memorable experiences was our Team Project at the 2024 Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships. As volunteers, we weren’t just observers but actively involved in event operations while conducting research. I helped prepare athletes before matches, ensuring they were geared up and directed to their rings. My teammates liaised with officials, managed crowd flow, and handled logistics.
Being part of an international championship showed me the immense planning required for large-scale events. Concepts from class—event hosting, resource management, and strategic planning—came to life. Each day, our team leaders held meetings to review performance, troubleshoot issues, and refine workflows. The experience was demanding but invaluable.
One major challenge was convincing people to complete our surveys. Many were unwilling, and language barriers made it harder. Fortunately, our diverse team helped bridge communication gaps. We even used creative persuasion—offering candies as incentives (or, as we joked, friendly bribes).
Handling impatient or stubborn participants also required patience and tact. Some were uncooperative, but we learned that staying polite and professional always led to better outcomes.
This project reshaped my perspective on event organization. Though I had experience organizing interclub and school-level Taekwondo competitions, an international championship was on another level. The scale of planning, logistics, and coordination—from registrations to match scheduling and international team communication—was a lesson in teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail.
One of the most rewarding parts was sharing my love for Taekwondo with my 11th batch friends. Seeing their appreciation for the sport made all the hard work worthwhile. This journey not only strengthened my event management skills but also deepened my passion for Taekwondo. The insights I gained will be invaluable for future events, and I look forward to taking on even bigger challenges with confidence.
By Maria Adibah Zaini(11th Batch)
