Econsave and Sin Chew Daily organised a press conference on 16 November 2021 at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Kampar Campus to promote the “Econsave and Sin Chew Daily Charity Show (Econsave星洲华教义演)”. The press conference was also supported by Guang Ming Daily.

The charity show, which will be held on 4 December 2021 (Saturday), 2.00pm until 4.30pm at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik of UTAR Kampar Campus, aims to raise funds for the UTAR Hospital. The proceeds from the charity show will be donated towards the development of UTAR Hospital.

The physical press conference was led by UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd Communications and Promotion General Manager Tan Kim Chuan, Econsave Northern 2 Operation Manager Chua Yong Chiang, Penang Guang Ming Daily Deputy General Manager Ng Hee Kuang, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee and Malaysian Artist Chan Ai Chia（曾爱佳）.

Also present at the press conference were UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Perak Sin Chew Media Corporation Bhd Business Manager Foong Ching Mean, Penang Guang Ming Daily Deputy Manager of Business Promotion Hor Yong Wei, journalists, UTAR staff and helpers from Sin Chew Daily, Econsave, Guang Ming Daily.

The event began with UTAR President Prof Ewe thanking the co-organisers and participants. “In order to nurture qualified medical students for the country, assist the improvement of medicine and clinical research for the nation, and provide affordable medical services to the public, UTAR has decided to establish its own teaching hospital. Two months ago on 22 September 2021, we jointly held a virtual press conference for the ‘Econsave and Sin Chew Daily Charity Show’, and achieved positive publicity effects. We got to know that some had called the press to inquire about the donation. I would like to extend my gratitude to all who are willing to assist us in the establishment of the UTAR Hospital,” said Prof Ewe.

He enthused, “Kampar was chosen as the ideal base for the construction of UTAR Hospital because of its superior geographical location with convenient public transportation. Kampar is close to Ipoh, Gopeng, Tapah, Tanjung Malim, Teluk Intan and Malim Nawar, and is surrounded by many communities that require medical services. After the pandemic, we have become more aware of the importance of improving the medical system. It is expected that the demand for medical services among the local and surrounding communities will continue to increase in the future, hence I believe UTAR can provide more comprehensive medical services in Kampar.”

During his speech, Tan said, “The establishment of UTAR Hospital is a long-term project, hence it needs help from the community to progress further. UTAR Hospital not only allows medical students to have internship placement but also provides opportunities to Chinese students who wish to become doctors and pursue their medical dreams in Malaysia. Compared to other private universities, UTAR offers medical school fee that is affordable for most families, especially those whose income was affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides that, the university does not only benefit those who are from the medical school, but it also benefits students from other courses related to the study of medicine, such as TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine), Physiotherapy, Psychology and Counselling.  The UTAR Hospital will provide good contributions to the locals and those who have been trained from the teaching hospital can move forward and contribute in other places in Malaysia.”

Chua hoped that the charity showcase could attract more participants. He said, “I am glad that we could organise physical events now. Now the ‘Econsave and Sin Chew Daily Charity Show’ can be held both physically and virtually.”

Ng added, “We are proud to announce Ms Chan Ai Chia（曾爱佳）, also known as Malaysia’s Teresa Teng （邓丽君）as one of the main singers for the UTAR Hospital charity fund-raising showcase. Her performances have been acknowledged and favoured by Teresa Teng’s fans. We have received positive responses from her previous shows that were presented both physically and virtually. I am sure that those who like Teresa Teng’s songs would not want to miss the chance of listening to Chan’s live singing.”

The singer, Chan also expressed her gratitude for being invited to sing at the charity show. She feels honoured to be part of the team and contribute to the establishment of UTAR Hospital.

The event ended with an interactive Q&A session and a group photography session. It was followed by a visit to UTAR Hospital’s construction site.

During the Q&A session, Prof Ewe highlighted that the physical show will be limited to 600 participants. This is for the purpose of observing the SOPs. The charity show will later be broadcast on 12 December 2021 via the YouTube channels and Facebook pages of Sin Chew Daily, Guang Ming Daily and UTAR at the same time.

The public could also purchase the tickets via Ticket2u, an online ticketing platform that allows users to find and purchase event tickets easily.

UTAR Hospital is a non-profit hospital that will not only provide medical and health services to the community but also provide practical training for the University’s medical students in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The establishment of UTAR Hospital will also benefit Kampar and the surrounding communities with increased socio-economic activities and better access to quality medical services.

For more information on UTAR Hospital and donations to the hospital, please go to the following website: https://hospital.utar.edu.my/.