UTAR GO 2017 Leadership & Interaction Camp

UTAR Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) organised the “UTAR GO 2017 Leadership & Interaction Camp” at Kampar Campus from 8 April to 9 April 2017.

The two-day inaugural camp aimed to nurture students regardless of age and background to be serviceable to the society. The camp also aimed to enhance the participants’ leadership, problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork communication as well as allowing interactions between one another to make new friends.

With 83 participants from different schools, the camp kick-started with an opening ceremony, attended by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, UTAR Division of Programme Promotion (Kampar Campus) Officers Siew Choon Keat, Chai Wei See, Wong Pooi Mun and Tham Yeong Shyue, SMJK Sam Tet Counselor Chan Wai Keong, SMJK Ave Maria Convent Counsellor Nurul Asma binti Bakar, SMJK Perak Girl School Counsellor Lee Yoke Ngoh, Organising Chairperson Yim Jian Nam, UTAR staff, students and alumni.

From left: Lee, Prof Choong, Chan and Yim at the opening ceremony

In his welcome speech, Prof Choong thanked the organising committee involved for their hard work to ensure the arrangements of the camp went smoothly to render the event a success. He also thanked all the participants for their continuous support and complimented their initiative to join the camp for their personal development. Prof Choong ended his speech by wishing everyone a fruitful and memorable time at the camp. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Yim said, “All the skills learned from the camp are very crucial and essential for students who will be the next generation that will be leading our country towards success in the future. Besides, participants should utilise this opportunity to make new friends and interact with others while enjoying all the activities that we have planned for you all throughout this camp.”

He expressed his gratitude to the organising committee for working hard throughout these nine months and UTAR for their continuous support and assistance. Yim, a Biomedical Science student, ended his speech with a quote from Albert Einstein ‘Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.’

Yim extending his gratitude to everyone for their support and contributions in the event

The students form different groups and had a great time during the ice-breaking session. The session required the groups to make a banner and a slogan for their own group. In addition, other group activities such as  Pokeball Throwing, Trees and Squirrels, Pokemon Boom, Catch them All and Sweet Watermelon were designed to strengthen their skills in cooperation and teamwork.

Group activities during the camp

“Of all the values I learned from the camp, the most important value to me is teamwork. Without teamwork in a group, nothing can be done. Other than that, the camp really helped us in our personal development while we are having fun. If there is another camp in the future, I will definitely recommend it to my juniors.” said Mak Hi Mon from SMJK Ave Maria.

SJKC Melor student Tharushiny a/p Francis Xaviar enthused “It is simply one of the best camps I have joined so far. It really helped in developing my leadership, teamwork and especially social skills. Thanks to the camp, even a shy person like me has the courage to interact more with others and it made me appreciate my friends more.”

 Malaysian Memory Sport Council Founder Teo Kim Foo giving a talk on “Increase memory by 300%”

Department of Soft Skills Competency Lecturer Yoon Seck Hoe giving a talk on “Leadership versus Followership”

 UTAR alumni Aravinden Sundararajoo giving a talk on “How to be a Great Leader?”

Participants working on the beautification project

Cultural and talent time performance by the participants

Group photo to mark the end of the camp