UTAR Department of Public Relations lecturer Dr Diong Fong Wei from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science was recently recognised for her exceptional contributions to community development and environmental sustainability. She received the 2024 Community Collaboration and Environmental Sustainability Award at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration 2025, organised by the Kampar District Council (Majlis Daerah Kampar, MDKpr) on 16 April 2025. The award was presented at the 'Traditional Festival' celebration held in Kampar Town Hall.
The award, titled “Kerjasama dalam Program Kemasyarakatan dan Kelestarian Alam Sekitar 2024”, acknowledges individuals and organisations that have made significant impacts through partnerships in community engagement and sustainability initiatives. Dr Diong’s award recognises her instrumental role in bridging academia and local governance, particularly through student-led Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects that benefit the wider Kampar community.
In 2024, Dr Diong spearheaded two impactful initiatives, namely “We Want No Plastic: We Are Fantastic Without Plastic” and “The Tale of Pink Ribbon: Get Screened Today”, which raised awareness about single-use plastic pollution and the importance of breast cancer screening. Both projects, carried out with UTAR Public Relations students, garnered national acclaim, earning Gold and Silver awards at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2024.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr Diong said, “I truly believe that the bridge between education and community is key to societal progress and sustainable development. Empowering students to apply their classroom knowledge through community action has been my greatest achievement as an educator. I am deeply grateful to the Kampar District Council for this recognition, and I would also like to thank UTAR, our project partners, sponsors, and the public for their unwavering support. It is through our collective efforts that we can create a meaningful impact and inspire positive change.”
The event, officiated by Yang Dipertua (YDP) MDKpr Tuan Ahmad Suqairy bin Alias, celebrated Malaysia’s multicultural traditions and recognised individuals and groups for their service to society. Distinguished guests included YB Sandrea Ng Shy Ching, YB Chong Zhemin, YB Tan Kar Hing, and YB Angeline Koo Haai Yen.
Aside from the award presentation, the celebration featured cultural performances by the Unit Gema Warisan Budaya from Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh, a traditional Hari Raya feast, and a lucky draw for 2025 Assessment Tax payers. The festivities concluded with the distribution of duit raya to children, promoting unity and joy among the diverse local community.
Dr Diong’s recognition is a testament to UTAR’s commitment to community-focused education and its emphasis on fostering responsible citizenship and sustainable development.
Tuan Ahmad Suqairy bin Alias (second from left) presenting the award to Dr Diong (second from right)
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