A group of visitors from Diamond Home, an orphanage centre, visited UTAR Kampar Campus on 6 May 2022. The group was comprised of 24 children and youths; teachers and volunteers.

Welcoming the visitors were UTAR Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Head of Department of Digital Economy Technology Ts Lim Jit Theam, Faculty General Office Assistant Manager Chai Xue Fen, Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) Senior Assistant Manager Wong Pooi Mun and DPP Assistant Manager Yen Siew Fong.

The visit to UTAR was part of Diamond Home’s team building activities for its children and youths, which aimed to provide exposure and out-of-classroom experiences for them. It also aimed to educate the children and youths about tertiary education and the study environment.

After the welcome remarks from Lim and Wong, the group proceeded to visit the labs in FICT, which included Microsoft Software Engineering Laboratory, Apple iMac Laboratory and Cisco Network Academy Laboratory. A brief introduction was given to the visitors by FICT Assistant Laboratory Manager Tan Boon Ghee to provide them with a deeper understanding of the functions of laboratories in higher education institutions and how it helps the students.

Wong and Yen also shared some information about UTAR’s programmes, campus environment, loans and scholarships. The group of visitors also took the opportunity to visit all the famous spots at Kampar Campus, including Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, Bronze Sculptures, Library and other attraction spots. Both parties also held a discussion over the potential areas of collaboration, such as CSR projects, industry-university collaboration and internships, to name a few.  

Frankie Lee, one of the volunteers of Diamond Home said, “Every year, we will organise a short trip or team building activities for the children and youths in Diamond Home as an annual event. We hope the children can learn and gain out-of-classroom experience. This is to motivate them and broaden their horizon.” He also praised the good attitude of the children and youths.

Taryni Paidaiah, who has just completed her Form 5 studies, thanked UTAR for the arrangement and said, “This is my first time visiting UTAR Kampar Campus. The visit was pleasant and informative. I was able to learn more about higher education which is helpful for my future.” Meanwhile, Christopher Slyvester enjoyed his first visit to UTAR Kampar Campus and said, “The visit was exciting and interesting because we learned a lot of new things. I will consider UTAR for my tertiary education.”

Diamond Home in Ayer Tawar is a home and shelter for needy and orphaned children and youths. It was established in 1996 by Pastor James and Pastor Suba Wilson.