FBF brings CNY cheer to old folks home

To share the joy of the Chinese New Year (CNY) with the disadvantaged, a group of academics from the Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) visited a group of senior citizens from I Care Centre at Kampar on 23 February 2019. The visit was part of the university’s social responsibility effort to spread the festive cheer to the underprivileged.

A residential Centre for the elderly and disabled people who require round-the-clock nursing care, the I Care Centre houses 40 residents aged 60 years and above who are monitored and treated by 10 caretakers.

Led by the Dean of FBF Dr Au Yong Hui Nee along with Loo Kam Lan a retired school teacher, the team of eight FBF academics, namely Dr M. Krishna Moorthy, Dr V. Vikniswari, Dr Y. Peter, Chin Yoon Mei, Foo Pik Yin, Loh Chun T'ing, J.Sonia and Sai Mei Ling extended their fullest contribution to ensure the residents of the Centre have a joyful and meaningful time during the session.

Dr Au Yong enthused, “The Chinese New Year is one of the most important festivals for the Chinese community. Understanding the importance, we felt this was a significant time to reach out to the less fortunate with the hope of bringing them some festive cheer. It is only a small contribution to ensure the residents of the Centre will have a happy and meaningful time during this season. We hope the senior citizens from I Care Centre enjoyed their CNY celebration with us.”

UTAR academics with the residents and caretakers

During the visit, the FBF academics contributed gifts to the residents. Ang pows, snacks, packet drinks and food hampers were also presented to all the residents.

Dr Au Yong distributing Ang pows to one of the residents

The excitement continued with exhilarating CNY songs singing session. Mindful that not everyone would be proficient in Chinese and New Year Songs, the academics from FBF had the foresight to prepare and hand out songs’ lyrics in Chinese and Hanyu Pinyin so that all can sing along. The songs were sung in karaoke style.

Dr Au Yong, FBF academics and residents singing CNY songs

The celebration ended on a high note for the residents and their caretakers when they were served with fresh and delicious lunch. The residents seemed happy to partake the food and snacks as they engaged in small talk with the academics. Some residents, however, were not able to join in the main hall where the lunch was served due to their physical disabilities. For these residents, the academics made their way to their beds and helped to feed them.

Residents enjoying their lunch

To conclude the meaningful celebration, the FBF academics and the residents all smiled for a group photograph.  The event ended on a joyous note with the residents looking cheerful.