Promoting unity through PLIP

Front row, second from left:Puan Aldrina, Yim, Datuk Baharin, YB Senator Waytha Moorthy, Prof Ewe and Dato’ Hj. Abdul Karim with participants

Prime Minister’s Department of National Unity and Integration (Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional, JPNIN), in collaboration with UTAR, organised “Program Interaksi Latihan Industri Perpaduan Bersempena Sambutan Tahun Baru Cina” at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 25 February 2019. The objectives of the event were to provide a platform for the students from both public and private universities to explore more career opportunities through the Unity Internship Programme (Program Latihan Industri Perpaduan, PLIP) as well as to promote the national unity among the younger generations.

The event was graced by YB Senator Tuan Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National Unity and Social Wellbeing). Also present at the event were JPNIN Director General Datuk Baharin Idris, Deputy Director General (Operations) Dato’ Hj. Abdul Karim bin Hj. Abu Seman, Deputy Director General (Planning) Puan Aldrina @ Mimi O.P. Andu, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Prof Ir Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Registrar Yim Lin Heng, UTAR students and students from other higher learning institutions, namely Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), University Malaysia of Computer Science and Engineering (UniMy), Lincoln University College (LUC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), HELP University, SEGi University & Colleges (SEGi), and Taylor's University. 

YB Senator Waytha Moorthy thanking all the parties who made the event a success

In his remarks, YB Senator Waytha Moorthy expressed his appreciation to all the parties who assisted in making the event a success. After explaining the PLIP, he said, “This ceremony offers a great opportunity to increase the interaction and network among higher learning institutions and companies. I hope that private sectors, business organisations and NGOs could also organise such programmes as it contributes to a stronger unity. I also believe that this programme could strengthen the social harmony and contribute to the productivity and economic growth of the country.”

Besides, he advised the students to be more mature and not to be easily influenced by social media. “Avoid misusing social media. Unity is a possession that comes with a very high value which money cannot buy,” he said. He also expressed his hope to continue this collaboration with the involvement of more institutions and companies.

Prof Ewe explaining the importance of unity among people

On the other hand, Prof Ewe addressed the importance of inculcating aspiration for unity among people. According to him, although different races may have different expertise in building up the national economy, unity should always be maintained to ensure a stable, peaceful and harmonious future. “I hope the participants will seize the opportunities offered by the industry players that have joined us today. PLIP is a chance for you to interact and mingle with colleagues from various racial and cultural backgrounds. Take this as a positive challenge aside from gaining new experiences. It would surely benefit you in the future,” he said.

The event also saw the participation of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and government-linked companies (GLCs) such as Top Glove, Proton and Amanah Raya Berhad. A number of briefing sessions were also given to the participants by the ACCCIM and GLCs to share some useful advice and career guidance.

Seated from left: Yim, Datuk Baharin, YB Senator Waytha Moorthy, Prof Ewe and Dato’ Hj. Abdul Karim

Performance by UTAR Sungai Long Chinese Orchestra Unit

Lion Dance performance by UTAR Wushu Club

UTAR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on PLIP together with four private universities and seven GLCs at its Sungai Long Campus on 11 April 2017. Initiated by JPNIN, the first phase of PLIP started in 2014 with the objective to provide a platform for Bumiputra students to explore and gain working life experience before graduating in the private sector. It was then expanded to its second phase with the participation of IPTS non-Bumiputra students in industrial training at the Bumiputra companies, especially under GLCs. The implementation of this programme is to enhance the understanding of traditions, cultures, religious practices and the way of life among students with different races, cultures and religions.

Prof Ewe presenting a souvenir to YB Senator Waytha Moorthy