As the curtain falls on 2024 and we prepare to welcome 2025 with hope and anticipation, it’s only natural to reflect on the journey we’ve been through.
A glimpse into the year that was
As the curtain falls on 2024 and we prepare to welcome 2025 with hope and anticipation, it’s natural to reflect on the journey we’ve been through.
This year, instead of the usual tradition of asking the public about their resolutions, opinions, or plans for the New Year, I took a different approach.
I posed a single, thought-provoking question to my colleagues: “If you had to sum up 2024 in just one word, what would it be?”
It’s a simple question on the surface, but it opens the door to deep reflection.
From words that evoke strength and resilience to those that speak of growth, change, or even loss, the answers are a testament to the varied journeys we all walked this year.
Here are their responses, a collection of words that offer a glimpse into the heart of 2024 as seen through different perspectives.
Amyra Varkisa Kiai
For me, it would be self-improvement. This year has been all about learning, growing, and working on becoming a better version of myself. I’ve tried to embrace challenges, build better habits, and step out of my comfort zone whenever possible. It hasn’t always been easy, but each small step has made a difference. Whether it’s learning something new or reflecting on what truly matters, it’s been a journey of figuring things out and gaining confidence along the way. It’s exciting to see how far I’ve come, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey into the next year!
Ma Chee Seng
This year was simply good. As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. When presented with an opportunity, seize it, even if you feel unprepared — experience will come with time. Protect your personal sanctuary fiercely, trust cautiously, and focus on your own growth, expecting less from others’ promises. Prioritising yourself is not inherently selfish; it is necessary for self-preservation. People often act in their own best interests, so it’s essential to do the same. Always strive to build your own strength and independence, because at the end of the day, you are your most reliable ally. Growth begins with self-care and resilience. The grass is always greener where you water it.
Fasiha Khushiri
If I had to sum up this year in one word, it would be resilience. This year has been a testament to navigating challenges, adapting to unforeseen changes, and bouncing back stronger. Whether in personal growth, professional pursuits, or relationships, resilience has been the anchor, allowing me to overcome setbacks and embrace new opportunities. It’s a word that encapsulates the strength and determination required to keep moving forward despite uncertainties. Every trial brought a lesson, and every success was a reminder of the effort invested. Resilience symbolises not just survival but growth, turning difficulties into stepping stones toward a more fulfilling and hopeful future. This year has truly been about enduring and thriving against all odds.
Alexandra Lorna
This year has been a journey of resilience. Despite the ups and downs in my career and challenges in my family’s health, I’ve found strength in perseverance and adaptability. The hurdles tested my resolve, but they also highlighted the blessings in my life. My love life with my husband and the joy of raising my three children have been a constant source of warmth and purpose. Together, we’ve celebrated moments of connection, weathered storms, and grown closer as a family. This year reminded me that even in challenging times, love and togetherness can anchor us, and every difficulty faced is an opportunity to grow stronger and cherish life’s blessings.
Annabell Naja
This year can be summed up as transformation, a journey of change, learning, and growth. Personally, many pursued introspection and self-development, stepping out of comfort zones to grow emotionally and professionally. Ultimately, this year highlighted the importance of transformation for progress, reminding us that challenges often pave the way for building something better.
Sharifah Nong-Jasima
For me, it would be eye-opening. I had the privilege of covering boccia and bowling at Para SUKMA this year, and I’m deeply grateful for the experience. Boccia, a sport I was unfamiliar with, impacted me the most, teaching me lessons in determination and gratitude. The athletes, especially those with severe physical disabilities, were truly inspiring. They demonstrated incredible strength and focus, making me reflect on how able-bodied individuals often give up too easily. Watching these athletes compete with such passion and resilience was humbling. I was moved to tears when the Sarawakian athlete I supported won his category. His determination made me realise how often I struggle with confidence on the field.
Margaret Ringgit
If I could sum up 2024 in one word, it would be resilience. This year has been a testament to human strength and adaptability in the face of challenges. Resilience has been about navigating the ups and downs of life, learning from setbacks, and celebrating small victories. Whether it was adapting to unexpected situations, achieving personal milestones, or simply holding on to hope, this year has been a reminder of how strong we can be. 2024 has shown us that resilience isn’t just about enduring difficulties but about emerging from them stronger, wiser, and more connected. It has been a year that redefined limits and inspired a renewed sense of purpose.
Priscilla Tawie
I remembered interviewing a feng shui master before Chinese New Year this year. The interview was great, and he even gave me an insight on what the dragon year would be like. It was going to be, unfortunately, awful. With never-ending wars and natural disasters one after another, the world does not rest. A few days ago, we had a plane crash that happened in South Korea, killing more than hundreds on board. What he told me etched itself within me till this day, and it’s what goes on in my mind each time I’m in a predicament. If I could sum the year in one word, it would be exhausting. But it taught me resilience, further strengthened my perseverance, and encouraged me to view things more positively. Life is a never-ending battle of emotions. Yes, I am tired, but if I stop now, what would I lose?
Gabriel Lihan
I would sum up this year in one word: change. It’s been a year of change in many aspects of my life, including friendships, relationships, and even my working environment. I have witnessed shifts in how I connect with people, how some bonds have grown stronger, while others have faded. Professionally, changes in my work environment have led to new challenges and opportunities, pushing me to adapt and grow. On a much more personal level, I’ve experienced growth, learning to navigate different circumstances and re-evaluate priorities. All of these changes have shaped me into a different version of myself, and I’m looking forward to what is ahead.
Allan Jay
This year has been nothing short of eventful for me, full of first experiences and new lessons. I’ve been covering many events, from grand functions to crime scenes or operations, each bringing its own challenges to the way I write. My travels also added excitement, giving me the chance to see new places and meet people from different backgrounds. Each of my work, despite not being easy, kept me on my toes. It sharpened my storytelling skills and helped me understand the world better. These moments, big and small, made my year quite special and unforgettable. Looking back, I am grateful for the opportunities I had, and I’m eager to see what challenges and adventures await in the coming year.
Neville Timothy
To me, it would be acceptance. Over the past few months, I have been struggling with accepting the things that do not belong to me. Now, looking back, I should have done it much sooner. Back then, I was so much in my mind, thinking that if those things did not belong to me, I would force it to make sure that it belonged to me. However, the more I force it, the more those things push themselves away from me. That being said, even if it took me a while to realise, it is better to accept that some things do not belong to you, and that is okay. It is not the end of the world after all.
Natasha Jee
If I could sum up this year in one word, it would be fulfilling. It’s been a fun, tiring, and challenging journey, but one filled with growth and positive change. Despite the ups and downs, I focused on improving my health by eating better and exercising more, which has made a huge difference in my overall well-being. Balancing fun experiences with hard work and self-care has taught me the value of persistence and consistency. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited to carry this healthier, stronger version of myself into the new year.
Mohd Alif Noni
2024 has truly been an unforgettable year, marked by remarkable moments and milestones. After 20 years, Sarawak finally won SUKMA, and I had the privilege of covering and witnessing this historic event firsthand. Adding to the joy, I secured first place in the Photo Essay category at the Kenyalang Journalism Awards — an achievement I deeply cherish. But perhaps the most unexpected and beautiful highlight was when someone special entered my life in the most mysterious way, and at 30, I tied the knot with her. In every sense, 2024 has been a truly blessed year for me.
Nura Valentiana Lorna
If I were to sum up this year in one word, it would be eventful. From the start of the year, it has been a whirlwind of activity that left me restless yet fulfilled. Covering major events like international conferences and the 21st SUKMA was a highlight, but they also demanded immense energy and focus. I was also sent outstation twice — one of them being my farthest work trip to Thailand, which added an international dimension to my reporting experience. Juggling all these responsibilities, including attending countless local events and functions, truly defined the pace of my year. Despite the challenges, every moment has been enriching, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to grow in my career.
James Wong
To sum up the year in one word, it would have to be progress. Ideally, every year should be about progressing forward. 2024 has stood out as a year of meaningful progress, both globally and closer to home. On a personal level, I have witnessed significant growth in my career and life, from refining my craft as a journalist to exploring new opportunities that align with my passions. In Sarawak, progress was evident. From reviving sick projects, building more bridges, and new infrastructure developments to hosting SUKMA (Sukan Malaysia) with tremendous success, progress is unmistakable. Progress isn’t always linear, but this year showed that with determination and a shared vision, we can advance on all fronts, creating ripple effects that inspire further change.
