Dad's Seminar

I had a great and productive day yesterday ! My dad was invited to give a protocol and etiquette seminar to the junior KCS workers and he asked me to tag along .Attending a protocol seminar has always been something my guide sisters and I wanted to go for quite a while so I was all ears!

The sad part was that I had to leave them because they had to attend a chief minister event in Pantai Merdeka which I had to back out .I even missed the kite flying session with the special kids which was also on the same day and time ! I thought  owh well ,these always a next time in these events,but a protocol seminar given by your dad,especially when he lets you go?I don't think so .So it was a golden opportunity for me.

I was in my baju kurung attire and abah in his suit.We had to leave as early as 7am because the seminar was at Jitra.We pit stopped at abah's office in Alor Setar to get some documents from his PA and its off to Jitra.

It was held in Darulaman Hotel which I've never been to before.The place was nice overall and we were greeted by the host who insisted we have breakfast first.He lead us to the cafe ,the food was good too ! After that,we went to the room and I wanted to seat at the back.But abah being abah ,he made me sit beside him facing the audience.Once everyone settle down,the seminar began! 

Yes I was REALLY upfront

To be honest,I wasn't expecting myself to be completely interested,but I was in AWE ! He explained so much on protocol like seating planning,ranking ,decoration,backdrop,royalty priorities,flag position ...endless ! He said that these rules,although very strict,are changed to adjust according to situation .In an event,who sits where? Who is allowed to sit with who?

It is of vital importance a host/protocol people (the future them)to know WHO they are trying to please in an event.Them?Or the guest? When inviting HRH The King and Queen of Malaysia,what performance?Is it Lady Gaga of your time? Or HIS/HER liking ..who is the guest?

When you do a backdrop..should the words be so down until when the VIP sits on stage,they cover the words?When putting flowers on VIP table,do you have to make it so grand ,costing hundreds but covers the whole table?When the plate comes ,the workers have to take away the flowers and throw them.Already a wasted effort and money. 

When hosting a 1000 guest event and catering food,do you want to cater food from a famous friend who cant cook well or from a mamak shop who cooks so good?After that,if you choose the mamak,do you think that they can provide the proper plates for a royal event?He stopped and let us wonder.When no one could give an answer ,he said ''Why dont you compromise?The mamak cooks but the friend provides the service.A win win situation.Everybody comes home happy'' .Because in the end,they dont ask where you get the food from ,its either  ''This is good'' or ''This tastes bad!'' .Remember ,the smoothness of a function also depends on its food too .

The best part for me was when he talked about table etiquette.Do you know ? :

• The waiters should serve from the left and take from the right?
• To eat a bread is by tearing the bread,spread with butter and eat?
• Use the culteries from outside to inside?
• Your drink is on the left and your bread is on the left?
• Push leftover food on the left and put utensils on the right once your done?

During break,he asked us to observe the table and see hows the table setting and how they serve.And we noticed the mistakes ! Like there was a bun plate but no bun .How we were served salad but no salad fork.How there was a dessert fork but no dessert using fork.Hmm.. But considering it was just a normal hotel,we just took it as practice.

chicken chop

jelly

They gave abah and I  a room so we rested and prayed first before the next session.  He reviewed on how the lunch was and answered some few questions.He said that being OBSERVANT is very important and its better to get scolded NOW when your young so you learn now than 20 years later ,doing the same mistakes and getting scolded by someone younger.

The seminar ended at 5pm where they gave a big applause and a warm thank you .The host lead us for some evening tea and continued talking.What I learnt myself from following my dad around lately is not to interrupt simply.I have plenty of time for that at home so let the workers have the time to ask and talk . :)

One funny bump was when my dad forgot to call our driver ! Hahaha.. thank goodness one of the workers offered to send us back to Alor Setar! Haha.. We then head back home to Sungai Petani .

I wish I could remember and write here everything I learnt during the seminar.But my mind is getting old and I cant remember it all HAHA.Abah told everyone to just understand 10% of the seminar,but real solid information!

I couldnt feel more proud and blessed to have a great dad ! How he conducts is just so effortless and lively .I will definitely tag along on his next calling . Great day ! :)