PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism VI soft launch

PR students of PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism VI

Public Relations (PR) students of the PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism VI ushered the Chinese New Year festive with their “Prosperous Lunar New Year Fair”. It was held from 10 to 11 February, at the Tin Village, Kampar.

The two-day event was held in conjunction with the campaign’s soft launch. It was officiated by Deputy Minister of Finance Senator Dato’ Lee Chee Leong. Also present at the opening ceremony were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, representing UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, and Main Campaign Director of UTAR PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism VI Julian Chin Chun Kit.

From left: Prof Choong, Dato’ Lee and Chin at the opening ceremony

“Recently, UTAR has made it to the top 100 in the Asia Universities Ranking by Times Higher Education. This is a remarkable moment for UTAR. Congratulations on the achievement and thanks to all the dedicated academic staff and also the students,” said Dato’ Lee in his speech.

He also added, “I believe the success of this event also adds to UTAR’s growing achievements, and the large turnout is the testimony of UTAR students’ talents, creativity and capabilities in organising events. They have certainly done a good job and their hard work has paid off. I hope everyone will enjoy this fair and I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year in advance.”

Meanwhile, Prof Choong said “To secure and maintain a job, soft skills play an important role. While your knowledge gets your foot out the door, your skills, determine the types of doors that will be opened for you to pave your future. That is why UTAR consistently emphasises on the development of students’ soft skills, in addition to academic knowledge.” 

From left: Dato’ Lee and Prof Choong delivering their speeches

“This fair is organised by five sub-groups under the Volunteerism VI campaign. With this event, we hope to celebrate the Chinese New Year and create awareness on our PR Campaign’s initiatives among the local community and students. Our tagline— “Revitalizing Volunteerism, Empowering Community” is what drives us and keeps us motivated. It is a simple four-word sentence but with a profound meaning. Thus, it is our sincere hope that this event will stir up a conversation and place volunteerism as one of the main agendas of the society today. With the campaign, we hope to promote public provisions to meet the social needs of the community,” said Chin.

The event successfully gathered a crowd of 20,000 people. It also held various Chinese New Year themed competitions, such as “Chinese Calligraphy Competition”, “Mandarin Oranges Eating Competition”, “Poem Reciting by Children” competition and children colouring competition. There were performances by the Chinese orchestra, 24 Festive Drum and Lion Dance. Chinese New Year goods were also sold to the crowd through the 70 vendors that had set up their stalls. The event also saw the participation of UTAR staff and students.

Prior to the fair, the PR students also celebrated “Li Chun” on 4 February 2018 at the Tin Village, to mark the beginning of the Lunar New Year. With hopes for an auspicious and prosperous year, the students balanced 200 eggs to form the Chinese character “Prosperity”, and as part of honouring the traditions of “Li Chun”.

Volunteerism VI students also promote their campaign to the local Kampar schools, namely SJK (C) Yu Ying, SJK(C) Chung Huah, SJK (C) Ying Sing and SJK (C) Kampar Girls. The students had an enjoyable time interacting with the five campaign mascots. 

PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism VI's grand launch will be held on 6 March 2018.

Chin delivering his speech

A dance performance by the Volunteerism VI mascots

 

Dato’ Lee visiting the vendors at the fair 

Activities at the fair

The PR students during their “Li Chun” celebration  

Students working hard to balance the eggs

The outcome of the balanced eggs – “Prosperity”   

School students and teachers interacting with the mascots