New Village Community Project

The closing ceremony for the New Village Community Project by the Department of Soft Skills Competency was held at the Multipurpose Hall on 18 August 2015.

The ceremony saw the presence of UTAR President Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik, UST Chancellor Prof Ovid J. L. Tzeng, UST Vice Chancellor Prof Cheng-Chen Chen, National Central University President Prof Jing-Yang Jou, UST Public Affairs Office Manager Ms Pi Chun Hsu, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU) Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Assoc Prof Lo Lieh-Shih, Temerloh New Village Head Tan Say Cheong, UTAR Vice President (Student Development and Alumni Relations) Dr Teh Chee Seng, Institute of Chinese Studies Director Dr Chong Siou Wei, Department of Student Affair Head Loh Nyuk Leung, UST students, and UTAR students and staff.

During the nine-day trip which ran from 11 August to 19 August 2015, 16 students from UTAR and the University System of Taiwan (UST) travelled to Pahang to visit new villages in Temerloh and Mentakab, a timber factory, a rubber factory, a patin fish farm, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, as well as an aboriginal (orang asli) village in Lanchang.

The ceremony began with a Malay dance performance by 12 students from UTAR and UST to the tune of Madu dan Racun (Honey and Posion) instructed by a teacher from SJK (C) Khee Chee.

Dance by UTAR and UST students

Prof Chuah encouraged the participants to continue fostering their new friendships as modern social media has removed distance as an impediment to keeping in touch. He also hoped for an increase in the number of participants and to involve staff in the next new village project. Prof Chuah also emphasised that the workforce now strongly requires graduates with good social skills rather than mere strings of A’s.

Prof Tzeng urged that the awareness of bettering and contributing to the nation should be instilled among youngsters. “Nowadays, you hear of disasters everywhere, so how do we make this world a better place?” asked Prof Tzeng. He said that our younger generations should not only equip themselves with academic qualities, but also cultivate a sense of responsibility to society and the world.

Head of Temerloh New Village Mr Tan encouraged youths to take up more challenges in life. He has been the village chief for seven years and during his leadership, has never turned down any offers to hold events in the village. “Accepting offers means exhibiting the capabilities in you,” asserted Tan.

Clock-wise from top left: Prof Chuah, Prof Tzeng and Tan

The first student to share her experiences was Hong Man-Zih from NCTU. “I am so amazed and inspired to see people of different races cooperating together and getting on so well,” said Hong. She really appreciated the hospitality of all the villagers, especially those who had helped them in painting the mural despite the rain.

UTAR Bachelor of International Business student Wong Chee Ching was next to share memorable moments from the trip. Wong mentioned that the original goal of students helping the villagers was reversed because the villagers took great care of them during their visit. “I truly want to thank all the villagers and I hope there will be more opportunities to take part in such events,” said Wong in gratification.

The closing ceremony ended with a friendly group photo session.

Front row, from left: Dr Teh, Prof Chen, Tan, Prof Tzeng, Prof Chuah, Dr Jou, Prof Lo, Dr Chong, Fook