Two teams from UTAR, namely the Golden Heart and 24 Festive Drums, proudly represented the university in We.R.Wira Season 2, an online competition organised by CentriqPR in collaboration with the Department of Public Relations of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS), UTAR Kampar Campus. Held during the January 2024 trimester, the competition aimed to create positive content on the internet while celebrating everyday heroes who selflessly contributed to their communities.
This collaboration reflected CentriqPR’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and mentoring future communicators. By working on real-life projects with guidance from industry experts, UTAR Public Relations students gained invaluable experience, building their portfolios and enhancing their employability.
The team members of Golden Heart (from left): Addison Chong, Wong, Chua, Yew, Ms Adele Siew Li Me and Mr Lee Wai Kheong from Pertubuhan Amalan Ai Xin Fan Tong, Ipoh (in blue), Ms Irene Leow Kim Lan, Cheong and Lui
The Golden Heart team, consisting of Lui Kai Jian, Addison Chong Zhao Heng, Cheong Sweat Wei, Chua Yu Thong, Wong Ket Kian, Yew Pei Ying, and Yap Jiun Wei, won the Special Mention award in the competition. The team highlighted an initiative that offers free haircuts to individuals impacted by the pandemic. This simple yet powerful gesture restores a sense of normalcy and self-care, boosting mental health by enhancing confidence and mood.
The team noted that although this initiative may seem small to some, it holds great meaning for their WIRA, who discovered the project after the Movement Control Order. The pandemic left many struggling financially, and offering free haircuts is a way to support these individuals and show solidarity during challenging times. Through this project, the team demonstrated a commitment to community recovery, fostering well-being after the pandemic.
This experience, coupled with the knowledge gained in their course, allowed the students to grow both personally and professionally. They also benefited from the mentorship of UTAR lecturers and community leaders, who provided invaluable guidance throughout the project.
The joyful Popular Vote Award winners during their We.R.Wira video production with Mr Chia Tit Wang (in black)
Meanwhile, the 24 Festive Drums team, made up of Lim Xian Hui, Chong Shi Ting, Ngo Hui Jin, Cheah Xin Yi, Hoi Ying Siang, Loh Kwan Yee, Jei Malar Avali Thavamani, Kishantni Muralee, Chee Zheng Yi, and Lee Kar Thing, won the Popular Vote award. They showcased an initiative led by their WIRA, Chia Tit Wang. With over 14 years of experience in teaching the 24 Festive Drums, Chia’s dedication to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage is truly inspiring.
Chia began performing with a hands percussion group at the age of 13, and his work continues to foster community harmony and reflect the spirit of ‘Muhibbah’. The initiative emphasises the importance of teamwork, as the intricate rhythms of the drums must harmonise seamlessly to create a cohesive performance.
“We see the 24 Festive Drums as more than just a performance; it’s a cultural tradition,” explained the team. “Our goal was to share this culture with the community, particularly younger generations, and show how it fosters unity and connection.”
The 24 Festive Drums serves as a bridge between generations, inspiring young people to reconnect with their heritage while promoting creativity, discipline, and leadership. By participating in this initiative, the team helped foster social connections, creating a sense of belonging and building a more inclusive and culturally diverse society.
UTAR provided crucial support throughout the competition, including equipment and professional lecturers who guided the students at every stage. “The lecturer consistently shared ideas and feedback, which boosted our confidence,” noted the 24 Festive Drums team. This hands-on involvement allowed the students to apply the skills they had learned in their Public Relations courses, leading to their success in the competition and winning the Popular Vote.
Through We.R.Wira Season 2, UTAR students have proven that anyone can be a hero, regardless of the scale of their efforts. Their participation reflects their commitment to social good while also highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions and building a more connected community.
UTAR is proud of the Golden Heart and 24 Festive Drums teams for their hard work, dedication, and embodiment of the university’s values in promoting community support, recovery, and cultural preservation.
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