PR Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV kicks off

Following a string of successful fund-raising activities in November 2014 and a soft launch in February 2015, the Public Relations (PR) Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV Grand Launching Ceremony kicked off with a bang on 27 February 2015 at UTAR Perak Campus. 

Dato’ Sri Liow (center) happily interacting with the students while Prof Chuah (third from right) and Tan Sri Hew (most left), Dato’ Mah (second from left) and Hew (third from left) look on

Themed “Embracing Volunteerism, Enriching Lives”, the Campaign was graced by Minister of Transport Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai. He was cordially received by UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Dato’ Lee Chee Leong, Perak State Executive Council Member Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, UTAR Planning and Development Committee Advisor Tan Sri Dato’ Hew See Tong, Kampar District Council (Majlis Daerah Kampar, MDKpr) Secretary Tuan Nor Akmal Yang Ghazali representing Council President Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir, UTAR Council Member Hew Fen Yee and PR Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV Main Director Chia Yi Jing.

In her welcome speech, Chia extended her gratitude to everyone for their kind presence and support. The Year Two Public Relations student also introduced the charitable projects by the predecessors of PR Campaign since its debut in 2011. “PR Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV will continue its forerunner’s legacy this year.  Our Campaign consists of five groups, each in charge of a different sub-theme, namely Road Safety, Food Tourism, Vandalism, Environment and Charity.” She added that through a series of in-campus and outreach activities aimed to improve the living conditions in Kampar, current issues faced by Kampar residents will be addressed. 

Chia delivering her welcome remark

“As a University by the people, for the people, we do not only create knowledge but think of ways to give back to the society. I’m very touched that for the past four years, the PR Campaign students have been choosing different topics to benefit to the society,” commended Prof Chuah, who also thanked Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD) Kampar, MDKpr and the sponsors for their incessant support and assistance to the current students. “UTAR will continue to contribute to the society not only by training and equipping them with the right skills, but also helping the community and also the needy students,” he said.

Prof Chuah welcoming the VIPs and guests

This was followed by an interlude whereby the spotlighted mascots of PR Campaign, namely Ant-Traffie for “Road Safety”, Ant-Cheffie for “Food Tourism”, Ant-Fixie for “Vandalism”, Ant-Greenie for “Environment”, Ant-Lovie for “Charity” were officially introduced. 

(From left) Ant-Traffie, Ant-Cheffie, Ant-Fixie, Ant-Greenie and Ant-Lovie promoting the upcoming in-campus and outreach activities

In the following speech, Nor Akmal expressed his delight to see the PR students taking proactive measures in making Kampar a better living place. “It takes great effort to make such campaign a success. The students’ effort to collaborate with MDKpr is also highly laudable as the activities are in line with the local council’s Kampar District Local Plan to bring Kampar’s development and welfare to greater heights.

Nor Akmal commending the PR students’ efforts

Humbled by the invitation to launch the Campaign, Dato’ Sri Liow expressed his great interest to understand the PR Campaign and its community engagement and contribution activities. “It is important for students to be involved in activities, especially those in volunteerism. In universities, one does not only gain knowledge but learn new skills to be competent globally. I congratulate UTAR for providing such a platform. UTAR is not only a university, but a community university for having the support of the community,” he said, and also pledged to donate RM 10,000 to the Campaign for having learnt about encouraging reviews as well as remarkable contributions by previous PR Campaigns. “I’d also like all the students to know that the Ministry of Transport will give full support to the PR Campaign,” he said to the elated crowd.

Dato’ Sri Liow addressing the crowd

Dato’ Sri Liow, accompanied by Prof Chuah, Dato’ Lee, Dato’ Dr Mah, Tan Sri Hew, Nor Akmal, Hew and Chia, was then invited on stage to officially launch the Campaign.

(From left) Hew, Tan Sri Hew, Dato’ Mah, Prof Chuah, Dato’ Sri Liow, Chia, Dato’ lee and Nor Akmal on stage launching the Campaign

Prof Chuah presenting a token of appreciation to Dato’ Sri Liow while others look on

Chia presenting souvenirs to (clockwise from top left) Prof Chuah, Tan Sri Hew and Nor Akmal while witnessed by Dato’ Sri Liow

PR Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV is part of the UAMP2023 Event Planning and UAMP2033 Event Management subjects' coursework. The Campaign is organised by current Year Two Public Relations students. Initiated in 2011, the PR Campaign has since gained momentum in becoming a significant annual event at UTAR Perak Campus. This is the fourth consecutive year PR Campaign is held. 

Sponsors of PR Campaign 2014/2015: Volunteerism IV Grand Launching Ceremony included Ayam Brand, Yeo’s, Domino’s Pizza, Seeties, Royal Century Trading Co. Ltd, Kai Xin Vegetarian Restaurant, MyView Harvest Sdn Bhd, Sin See Kee Marketing Sdn Bhd, Silver Eco Café and History Bistro. 

Group photo of the VIPs and sponsors