Motivational talk for students of SMJK Nan Hwa

To uphold the University’s belief as a university ‘by the people for the people’, UTAR Division of Programme Promotion took the initiative to organise a motivational talk for students of SMJK Nan Hwa, Sitiawan, as a continuous effort to share knowledge and expertise with the community on 18 August 2021 via Google Meet.

Titled “Let’s Stay Motivated to Go Online Learning - 激励自己!  我们今天就来上网课”, the one-hour talk was presented by Faculty of Arts and Social Science Department of Public Relations lecturer Diong Fong Wei. It was attended by 634 students and 88 teachers.

Diong explained that in overcoming the problems of not attending the online classes among the students, both students and teachers should first identify the challenges faced. She then further elaborated on the advantages of online learning and concluded the talk by sharing the tips to stay motivated with online education.

She said, “No one should be left behind in education, especially during the pandemic. Everyone is trying to help their children to get back on track. All sorts of aid are offered to them to learn online, and you are no exception. Therefore, you have no excuse to abandon your online learning.”

Being a lecturer for more than a decade, Diong shared her teaching experience with her students in shifting from the traditional face-to-face setting to online platform. She disclosed, “It was really hard not only for educators like me, but also my students. We were busy preparing for our community projects and the next day, we were told to stop everything because of the pandemic. I will never forget the disappointment and despair experienced by every one of us, especially my students.”

She further added, “Well, the world is changing and the change is drastic. Thus, we have no choice, but to change, too. Otherwise, we will fail to be on a par with the changes.”

“Online learning is fun! Think of the advantages you will get by learning online. Improved flexibility in learning and you get to determine your own learning pace. Additionally, you get to improve your virtual communication skills, critical-thinking skills, and self-motivation. These are the qualities future employers look for among graduates. So, what are you still waiting for? Get yourselves an online buddy today and reach out to your teachers today via the online class,” she encouraged.

Among those present at the talk were the school principal Kee Mee Ching瞿美清 and deputies Ee Chin Wan (行政副校长: 余深煌), Kok Lai Kuong (学生事务副校长: 郭丽光), Chang Lay Ong (课外活动副校长: 詹礼旺), and Lai Yoke Theng (中六副校长: 赖玉婷).

The talk ended with a promotional briefing about UTAR programmes and UTAR Cyber Open Day by Division of Programme Promotion staff Yen Siew Fong.

 

Diong sharing tips to stay motivated with online education

 Diong convincing participants that online learning is fun

 

Diong sharing her teaching experience of shifting from a traditional face-to-face setting to the online platform

 

A group photo of the speaker and participants from SMJK Nan Hwa, Sitiawan