New Village Collaborative Project with NUS

Organised by UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) for 12 National University of Singapore (NUS) students, the New Village Collaborative Project ended with a closing ceremony at UTAR Perak Campus on 19 December 2014.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, NUS Prof Albert Teo Chu Ying said, “I would like to thank DSSC for providing an invaluable learning experience for our students. They engaged in community projects and field trips which enabled them to better understand the New Village community needs, assets, dreams and aspirations.” He also lauded DSSC for organising a study tour to NUS in May 2014 and expressed hope for more collaboration between NUS and UTAR in the coming years.

Prof Albert Teo thanking DSSC for organising the insightful project

In his address, UTAR Vice President (Student Development and Alumni Relations) Dr Teh Chee Seng said, “I would like to thank NUS for collaborating with UTAR and also the New Villages for making the necessary arrangements to welcome our NUS friends. The experience has been very meaningful for our student helpers as well and we look forward to more of such collaborations.” He also expressed hope that the NUS students have gained valuable insights working with the communities and spending time with UTAR students.

Dr Teh expressing hope that the NUS students have benefitted from the project

The NUS students were split into three teams for the project which lasted from 12 to 19 December. During the closing ceremony, they presented their research findings on the New Villages located in Kelantan. Their research provided insights into the villagers’ background, languages, education, career, lifestyle and generational differences. They conducted their research by interviewing the villagers, visiting prominent landmarks and tasting local delicacies.

One group unveiled that Kampung Chepa is a unique village due to its close proximity to Kota Bahru. Young people are moving into the village due to the low land prices and costs of living. The trend creates a mix of old and young generation villagers and the amalgamation of modern and traditional values. “Values have shifted slightly due to social media and Western influence among the young generation. Urban kids are more apathetic about social traditions and have greater sense of isolation due to the fast-paced city life. Rural kids have more filial piety,” said Communications and New Media student Tan Hui Xin.

Tan describing the differences between urban and rural life

Another group discovered that Guchil and Batu Jong are New Villages with an aging population due to the migration of younger villagers to the cities. “The younger villagers are better educated compared to their parents and seek attractive employment opportunities in the cities. There is difficulty in finding young people to take over traditional businesses because they perceive these villages as a place for retirement. The older people remain in the villages because they are fond of the community spirit and the simple way of life,” said Political Science student Wan Chien Yang.

Wan (left) receiving his certificate of participation from Dr Teh

The day ended with Dr Teh presenting a souvenir to Prof Albert Teo and certificates of participation to the NUS students. A group photo-taking session was held after the presentation ceremony. This is the third successive year that DSSC has been organising the project which began in December 2012.

 

Dr Teh (right) presenting a souvenir to Prof Albert Teo

UTAR staff and the NUS students posing for a group photo