The year 2021 was embraced with great optimism as students remain actively involved in their co-curriculum by organising various activities throughout the year to raise funds for UTAR Hospital Project. Their effort and determination were undeterred by the Covid-19 pandemic as they successfully raised over RM33,000 from the year-long activities.

These activities were organised under the elective Mata Pelajaran Pengajian Umum (MPU-U4) elective subject, managed by the Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC). The MPU-U4 subject is comprised of:

MPU34012 Social Entrepreneurship Project
MPU34022 Arts and Cultural Performance
MPU34032 Community Project
MPU34072 Art, Craft & Design
MPU34082 Oral Communication
MPU34102 Managing Personal Finance
MPU34132 Management of Sports Activity
MPU34142 Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
MPU34152 Leadership and Teambuilding
MPU34162 Business Plan Writing & Preparation

Through this elective subject, students were able to apply and put to practice their technical and soft skills when serving the community. The communities who benefited from the various physical and virtual projects organised by the students included primary school students, villagers of the New Villages, Orang Asli, animal shelters, orphanages, old folks’ homes, single parents and other marginalised communities. The projects and activities organised by the students also reflected their strong passion towards giving back to the community, as emphasised by the University. The University also hopes to inspire the upcoming generation to cultivate a heart for the community.

One of the notable events organised under this elective subject was the Chinese “Coffee Chat” session co-organised by DSSC Kampar and JCI Kinta. They invited speakers and former national professional badminton players Tan Boon Heong and Foong Yi Xin, who enlightened participants on their experiences and career as professional players, and advised participants on ways to overcome difficulties. The event successfully raised over RM540 which was donated to UTAR Hospital.

Another successful fund-raising project organised under this elective subject was the “UTAR Hospital Fundraising Project 2021: Acts of Grace for a Cure”.  It was conducted by a group of 201 students from different MPU subjects. Under this fundraising project, a series of activities such as the selling of arts and crafts, and other products, competition, virtual talks and workshops were carried out by the MPU students. The UTAR Hospital received a donation of RM10,383.83 from the project.