Earth Hour 2016

To inspire UTARians and fellow Kamparians to continue to demonstrate their concern about climate change by conserving energy and avoiding wasteful consumption, UTAR Community Service Society (CSS) of Kampar Campus successfully organised an Earth Hour celebration, themed ‘Change Climate Change’, on 19 March 2016 at the Sports Complex of UTAR Kampar Campus.

Initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour is a global environmental movement aimed to lead the transition towards a climate friendly future.

Invited to grace the opening ceremony in UTAR were Vice-President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Assoc Prof Dr Teh Chee Seng, Organising Chairperson Lim Boon Hua, officer-in-charge of Community Service Society Ma Foong Mei, Chairperson of Student Representative Council (SRC) Chong En Di, and former Chairperson of Community Service Society Kong Saw Jin.

The event, which was filled with a series of fun and enlightening activities, was held for the sixth time in the UTAR Sports Complex and over 600 participants comprising of UTAR students, staff, and members of the public came to affirm their support.  

In his speech, Organising Chairperson Lim thanked all the participants for their kind support and the sense of responsibility shown in bringing a change to the planet. He added, “Earth Hour is a campaign for anyone and everyone who aspires to share an obligation to make this planet better. By taking part in this movement, every individual is making a commitment to turn their lights off for an hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm for the benefit of the planet.”

In his opening speech, Dr Teh said that Earth Hour is a global movement for everyone to protect Mother Earth by turning off non-essential lights, which is a small act of conservation that can lead to great impact. He added, “Every year, UTAR participates in Earth Hour to educate and spread awareness on the topic of energy conservation among students and staff. I’m indeed pleased with the continuous effort made by the CSS to bring and spread awareness on energy conservation.” He added, “Small actions such as opening windows when feeling hot instead of switching on the air-conditioner can save much more energy.”

During the celebration of Earth Hour 2016, the Sports Complex of UTAR Kampar Campus was completely decorated with lanterns that were fashioned from recycled large plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Besides saving up on energy usage, the event also displayed the importance of recycling acts and encouraged people to learn how they can make a difference to the planet.

Grand opening by VIPs of the night (from left) Chong, Lim, Dr Teh, grand sponsor Jess Yee,
Ma, and Kong

The organising committee and helpers