As
eye-catching colourful mascots pranced and swirled on stage, the crowd
cheered in united support of the UTAR Public Relations (PR) Campaign, themed
Volunteerism 3.0, during its grand launching ceremony at Student Pavilion I
at UTAR Perak Campus on 19 March 2014.
The
VIPs in attendance comprised Perak Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)
Bureau Chief of National Service programme Chan Kwai Hoong, who represented
Chenderiang State Assemblyman cum MCA Perak State Chairman Dato' Dr Mah Hang
Soon, UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik,
Environmental Health Officer of Kampar District Council Goh Seng Chee, UTAR
Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Dean Dr Cheah Phaik Kin, PR
Department head Ng Eng Kiat, campaign director Tang Chin Ling and advisors
Lee Lai Meng, Pong Kok Shiong and Yeow Jian Hui.
Launching the ceremony are (fifth from right) Chan, Prof Chuah, Goh and Dr
Cheah (in pink), while PR lecturers, advisors, campaign director and
sub-directors look on
In her
opening address, Tang welcomed the audience and enthused, "I would like to
acknowledge our seniors who pioneered the first and second PR campaigns,
themed Volunteerism 1.0 and 2.0, which were held in 2011 and 2013
respectively. Volunteerism 3.0 is an evolution of the previous campaigns,
and indicates that the spirit of volunteerism will continue to grow and
proliferate." She thanked UTAR for giving the volunteers an opportunity to
showcase the campaign, the volunteers for devoting their time and effort to
organise it, and the lecturers and tutors for offering invaluable advice and
guidance to the volunteers.
Tang
is all smiles while addressing the crowd
Prof
Chuah in his speech evoked memories of his university days where he helped
built a motorcyclist pathway which is still in use until today. He advised,
"Volunteerism is not just donation but the small things we do that will add
up to make the world a better place for all, irrespective of age, gender,
creed and religion. It is not what stage in life you become a volunteer that
matters, but how willing you are to contribute to the betterment of society
and the world." He expressed hope that the seeds of volunteerism implanted
through the campaign will continue to be cultivated after the students leave
UTAR.
Prof
Chuah speaking on the importance of volunteerism
Representing Dato' Mah, Chan said, "Dato' Mah conveyed his heartfelt
appreciation on being invited to officiate this meaningful event.
Unfortunately, he is away on an official trip to Kajang." He added,
"Volunteering is probably the most beneficial way to help your community. It
is often the glue that binds a community together and allows us to connect
to our community to help make it a better place." Recounting his repertoire
of community service which includes Lion Club, Rela and Rukun Tetangga, Chan
hoped that the students will continue to embrace volunteerism by joining
non-governmental organisations after graduation.
Representing Dato' Mah to convey his message on volunteerism is Chan
Volunteerism 3.0 is part of a compulsory final-year project for all year
three PR students. It aims to inculcate awareness of the importance of
lending a hand to the needy and necessary, and identify the needs of
underprivileged groups and subsequently translate ideas of helping these
identified groups into action. Besides, it also aims to improve knowledge,
attitude and behaviour of the target audience about volunteerism and raise
funds for chosen charity in line with the sub-theme assigned to each group,
namely, Environment, Animal Welfare, Education and Culture and Heritage.
Mascots signifying the four sub-themes, (from left) Environment, Culture and
Heritage, Education and Animal Welfare parading on stage
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