The event was officiated by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat. In his opening remarks, Prof Ewe enthused, “It is indeed very heartening to know that our students have remained active and positive during this pandemic by thoughtfully creating interesting activities for their friends and other students on campus. Since teaching and learning have been conducted online, activities such as this Octopus Fest will certainly cheer up students and their families at home to ensure a balance between studies, work and relaxation. It is especially important for students to continue to enjoy campus activities even though they are held online.”

He added, “I am happy to know that this is a collaborative effort between our Kampar Campus and Sungai Long Campus students. Such cooperative spirit and teamwork among yourselves make us at UTAR very proud of you, our students, for your thoughtfulness and initiative in organising this talentime event.”

The judges consisted of Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Department of Modern Languages Head Maxwell Sim Yik Seng, Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of Sungai Long Campus Head Loh Nyuk Leung, DSA Senior Manager Choong Yee Chin, DSA Assistant Manager Norhidayah binti Hamsah and DSA of Kampar Campus Clubs and Societies Unit Senior Assistant Manager Yau Ai Ping.

The night saw 11 groups of students from various faculties performing and showcasing their talents, such as dancing, singing, playing the piano and playing the guitar. Moreover, Xin Qi (VOU) was invited as a special guest to perform a song titled “The Girl Holding the Mirror” (举镜子的女孩).

Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) student Chin Si Jie and Faculty of Banking and Finance (FBF) student Shirley Phua Sze Ming won first place with their dancing performance. FCI student Khoo Jian Hao won second place with his singing performance, while Faculty of Science (FSc) student Foo Jing Tong won third place with her dancing performance. The top three winners took home cash prizes RM300, RM200 and RM150 respectively.