2016 CFS Night

Prof Chuah (third row, centre) with CFS staff, their families, and invited guests

The Sungai Long Campus’ Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) reached a new milestone as it celebrated its inaugural 2016 CFS Night at the Multi-purpose Hall in Sungai Long Campus on 15 April 2016.

The theme of the celebration was ‘Cultural Night’ and the staff of the centre, both academic and administrative, turned up that evening dressed to the nines for this event to celebrate their achievements. Also invited were former staff of CFS, their families, and UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik as the guest of honour.

Melissa giving her speech

Director of CFS (Sungai Long Campus) Melissa Stefanie Netto said, “Just take a moment to look around you. The beauty of it all is that we have come together in fellowship to celebrate each other’s achievements and pride, to mingle with our families and loved ones, and to share a laugh or two. Best of all is to see you all smiling.”

Thanking the gathered guests, she added, “Your support, encouragement and love are much appreciated. To all the children, husbands, wives, partners, parents, guardians, family and friends, thank you for all the support rendered to my colleagues. It’s because of you that we have such a great, dynamic and committed team here in CFS. It is truly my honor and joy to share this very special night with all of you.”

Melissa presenting a token of appreciation to Prof Chuah

Prof Chuah was next to give his speech, saying, “I must congratulate the 24 Festive Drums team as I have been told by many that you are very good, and I cannot help but agree. I am very proud of our students as they are very active in activities, especially in Sungai Long. So much so we have difficulty in arranging locations for the many events, which is a good sign.”

He added, “I would say about eighty percent of our undergraduates come from CFS. Therefore, I would like to thank all CFS staff for your hard work and dedication in producing quality students. The type of teamwork you display is what makes histories and miracles for UTAR. I can truly feel the spirit of UTAR at tonight’s event.”

There was a lineup of interesting and eye-opening shows to entertain the guests. The first show kicked off with a rousing 24 Festive Drums performance by the UTAR Wushu Club. This was followed by the UTAR Dance Club performing a hip-hop routine to three songs. The Freak Drama Club later on put on a skit featuring a murder mystery, with scenes in diverse settings such as a police department, bar, morgue, and mansion. The last performance of the night was a diabolo juggling act performed by CFS student Kevin Tan Zi Jie.

Assistant Lecturer Nurazrin Aidil said, “It is a surreal feeling for me, as I was once a student of CFS, to now be a new addition to the CFS family. I have enjoyed my time here tonight at our very first annual dinner and my experience working in UTAR has been overwhelmingly positive. The performances tonight have also been very entertaining for me.” 

Organising Committee Chairperson Nicole Ngai Suet Loo ended the night with her closing speech. She said, “This has been a wonderful evening, and I am delighted to have shared it with you. What is abundantly obvious to me is that CFS Night would not have been a success if it wasn’t for your dedication, generosity, and support. Thank you committees, colleagues, friends, and students. This moment of togetherness is one precious moment we shall cherish and remember forever. I cannot foresee the future, but what I see is the best team I’ve ever had, and your role in this motivates me to venture on the path to other events in the future.”

The audience also awarded Nicole the title of CFS Night Queen for her elaborate costume, while voting Senior Lecturer of Japanese Language Robert a/l Walter Benjamin Christian as the CFS Night King. Many prizes and goodies were distributed throughout the night through lucky draws and bingo games.

24 Festive Drum performance by UTAR Wushu Club

The UTAR Dance Club busting out the moves

Kevin and his diabolos

CFS Night Queen Nicole and King Robert

All the guests of the evening