Hello, friends! This is the first episode for the year 2025!In this special episode, I sit down with Cikgu Ahmad Fayzal / "Cikgu Emmet Menulis", a passionate educator and storyteller, to reflect on his remarkable teaching journey that began in the early '90s when he was posted to SK Lichok, deep in the heart of Sarawak.As a Malay from West Malaysia, Cikgu Emmet shares what it was like being an outsider learning to live and work among the Iban community, and how embracing local culture helped him understand, respect, and eventually become part of the very fabric of the community he served.We also talk about what it means to be a teacher in the 21st century, especially in a world dominated by AI, digital tools, and a shift away from traditional chalk-and-talk methods. Cikgu Emmet emphasizes how teachers today are no longer just providers of knowledge, but facilitators of learning, and shares actionable tips on staying productive and relevant in the classroom.And finally, we dive into a critical issue affecting our students today: the rising obsession with becoming content creators, sometimes even at the cost of completing SPM. We explore how the Ministry of Education can play a role by introducing structured programs like podcast or digital content competitions in schools.This episode is a must-listen for educators, students, and anyone who believes in the power of storytelling, cultural empathy, and educational reform."Real Life Stories, From Real People" - this is the barryanakbarim podcast.