Two days of life-discovery journey

Tan (second row, fourth from left) and Counsellor Ng Wan Fern (second row, third from left) with student helpers who made the campaign a success

It was a time for self-reflection and life pondering session at the Life Journey Awareness Campaign 2019, organised by the Department of Student Affairs (DSA). The campaign was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 29 and 30 January 2019. The two-day campaign saw various talks, workshops and games related to life, prepared for the participants.

The campaign took off with a talk that brought the participants to discover the subconscious part of their mind. Conducting the talk was MPS Psychological Service Co-founder and Clinical Psychologist Liang Yaw Wen. According to him, the subconscious mind may have a message, if not solution, for the problems that we face in our daily lives. With the aid of visual cards and self-reflective questions, he taught the participants to stimulate their subconscious mind.

Liang during the talk

Participants picking up cards that symbolise problems in life

The card chosen were then used to prompt discussion in groups

The afternoon of both days saw an interesting instalment of campaign taking place. It was called Life Journey Café. The casual and unstructured discussion was aimed for students to share their experience and thoughts about life and death. “This session provides an opportunity for the students to share their life experience and thoughts about death. Throughout the discussion we hope that they will learn to appreciate life and learn to be more accepting,” said UTAR Counsellor Tan Chin Yee. Since the topic can be daunting to some people, the sharing session took a very relaxing approach with soothing music, fragrant aroma and refreshment, replicating a café ambience.

Participants were offered snacks and drinks while having discussion at Life Journey Café

The second day saw a talk titled “So you think you are ready to join the workforce or start up a business? The Myth, The Reality and The Challenge” by Theophilus Wong. With a degree in engineering and master in ICT, Wong shared his career journey, which saw him finding his passion in a totally different field. “It is not that you are not good; sometimes you are simply studying the wrong subject,” he said. He now pursues his career as a multiple award-winning leader in talent management and organisational development. He emphasised that experience is more important than a surplus salary when a graduate starts their career. To help people recognise their identity and passion better, he and his partner invented Talent Apt, a self-discovery platform and network for the generation who are looking for a career that suits them.

Wong during his talk

Wong guiding participants to discover their personalities through an activity

Prior to the campaign, a workshop titled “Develop EQ to enhance Self Development and Communication Skills” was held. The two-hour workshop saw personality test and activities related to the development and improvement of one’s emotional quotient (EQ). “In career, we use intelligence quotient (IQ) to gain salary. However, to establish yourself internally you will need EQ,” said UTAR Counsellor Navamani Nagappon. She also advised the participants to talk to three eligible “strangers”, namely counsellor, psychiatrist and psychologist to help them when they are facing problems.

Navamani (left photo, standing) during her workshop and one of the workshop activities (right photo)

Visitors making their own ‘Colorful Salt Bottle’ and ‘Beaded Keychain’

Booths that offer relaxing activities and games with valuable lessons

Exhibition on ‘the stages of life’