New Village Collaborative Project a hit again

The UTAR New Village Collaborative Project with the National University of Singapore (NUS) ended on a happy note after a closing ceremony was held at UTAR Perak Campus on 17 December 2013.

The week-long project, organised by UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency for the second time since 2012, had its opening ceremony on 9 December 2013 and saw 11 enthusiastic NUS students with several UTAR students being divided into three groups. The groups were subsequently designated to study and research on the demography, economic development and social structure on three identified villages in the "Rice Bowl of Malaysia", which is Kedah, in the communities of Jeniang, Kampung Baru Kura and Pekan Naka.

"Gone are the days when we only learn technical knowledge and skills in universities. Nowadays, we are aware of the importance of soft skills. It is through workshops and projects as such that we learn soft skills; thus, allowing us to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds, religions and cultures," said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato Dr Chuah Hean Teik in his closing remark. He also believed that the one-week stint has enabled the NUS students to forge new friendships and human networking with their fellow Malaysian students and also the warmhearted villagers. "If we are in the position to help, we should help others. This is what humanity is all about," reminded Prof Chuah, and concluded his speech by extending his best wishes to the students and also welcome them to join the insightful project again in the future.

Also present was NUS Deputy Director of University Scholars Programme Prof Albert Teo Chu-Ying who also took the opportunity to express his deep gratitude to all UTAR staff and students who were involved directly and indirectly in the project. "We are indeed grateful for the support and help by the lecturers, teachers and staff who not only prepared our food, but also doubled up as interpreters between the students and the locals," shared Prof Teo. He said that in order to reciprocate the University's warm hospitality, he is in the midst of arranging a study trip for UTAR students to NUS. "The study trip will most likely take place in May 2014. It will allow students to be exposed to social entrepreneurship and community development. We are also hoping that UTAR and NUS will be able to continue with this collaborative project and look into other prospective new villages," he added.

The three participating groups then took turns to share their discoveries and fascination of the rustic new villages. Some were immensely touched by the conviviality of the villagers while some shared that the project broke their pre-conceived notions and stereotypes that villages are "impecunious and undeveloped". "They own lands for rubber plantations and therefore, they make quite a decent living," said one of the students.

21-year-old NUS student Shona Loong Xiu Fen felt that the project was an enriching and eye-opening experience for an urban dweller like her. "Participating in this new village project has taught me how to make myself more useful by using my knowledge and what I have learnt to benefit others," enthused the Geography student.

UTAR student Leong Sook Mei also waxed lyrical about working together with the group of driven students. "I have great admiration for the NUS students as they are very focused and dedicated with their work. Despite encountering language barriers with the locals, they are still very passionate. These are certainly some of the good qualities I have picked up from them," said the 19-year-old Banking and Finance student.

Prof Chuah presenting tokens of appreciation to Prof Teo

Prof Teo reciprocated by presenting a souvenir to Prof Chuah

 

Prof Chuah and Prof Teo taking a group photo with the 11 NUS students, UTAR students and staff from UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency