Workshop series for children

Students identifying facial expressions in a group activity

The Emotional Intelligence Workshop Series were held at SJK (C) Sin Min, Tronoh Mines New Village on 8, 10, 15 and 17 November 2016. The workshops were conducted by 17 Psychology students as part of their coursework.

“These workshops are to enhance children’s emotional intelligence by improving their capabilities to be aware and express their emotions in healthy and constructive ways,” said Workshop Supervisor and Lecturer Pheh Kai Shuen.

He added that the workshops emphasised on the learning of emotional regulation skills, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, that children can apply in their daily lives.

The series of workshops was organised by Kelab Komuniti Tronoh Mines, Perak in collaboration with the UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS), SJK (C) Sin Min, Tronoh Mines New Village, and Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Kampung Persekutuan Tronoh Mines.

Chan calling for the strengthening of collaborative efforts between UTAR and the village

Village Head Chan Ah Lok welcomed all collaborative projects that benefit the children. “Such efforts have been established since 2011 and have significantly improved the learning environment of the children in the village, particularly the community library. I hope UTAR and Tronoh Mines New Village will further strengthen our collaborative efforts, and continue to improve the quality of life of the villagers,” Chan said.

Dato’ Lee speaking at the launch

At the launching ceremony, Deputy Finance Minister Senator Dato’ Lee Chee Leong expressed his gratitude to Project Leader Dr Cheah Phaik Kin, Kelab Komuniti Tronoh Mines, Perak and their partners who have worked tirelessly for the best interests of the village.

Psychology student Gan Yee Chen was happy that she could share her knowledge with the children there. “I sincerely hope that the children are able to gain more knowledge and become adept at controlling their emotions after this workshop.”

Psychology student Yap Ming Yi said, “By interacting with the children and gaining insights into their behaviour, this workshop allows me to gain more experience in dealing with children for my future.”

From left: Workshop Advisor and Lecturer Anna Ong Wen Huey, Pheh, Chan, Dr Cheah, Dato’ Lee and SJK (C) Sin Min Representative Lee Bin Yee

The Kelab Komuniti Tronoh Mines, Perak is a community engagement project initiated by FAS’s Department of Public Relations. The club operates a community library open to the public in Tronoh Mines New Village.

The library committee consists of UTAR lecturers, SJK (C) Sin Min staff and committee members of the Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Kampung Persekutuan Tronoh Mines, who volunteer their time to serve the community.

SJK (C) Sin Min Headmistress Lai Yoke Kam (right) observing the workshop

UTAR student Ming Yi conducting an activity with a student

UTAR students conducting the workshop

Ong (far right) supervising the students in one of the workshops