Student project leader Ruben Raj (second from right) and student Jeremiah Chan Ching Kiat (right) presenting tokens of appreciation to The Salvation Army, Ipoh representatives (from left) Throbathi Vasantha Kumarian, Major Chong Kho Ken and Major Yap
UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) students from the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations programme welcomed 17 children from The Salvation Army, Ipoh, to Kampar Campus recently. As part of their UAMP3084 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) course for the June 2023 trimester, the students organised the “ExplorEd: The Journey to Knowledge” project to engage the young guests in a transformative educational experience.
Student project leader Ruben Raj, who led the team of 13 students said, “We aim to spark curiosity and ambition in these children, encouraging them to set higher educational goals for themselves.”
He elaborated, “By instilling a sense of self-confidence and aspiration, we aim to contribute to the children’s personal and academic development. Our goal is to help them unlock a future filled with expanded opportunities. With a particular focus on empowering girls, we strive to eliminate educational and social barriers, allowing them to pursue their dreams with tenacity and enthusiasm.”
“We hope that today’s experience will inspire these young girls to chase their dreams,” he added.
Assoc Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin, the course lecturer from UTAR’s Department of Public Relations at FAS, commended the students’ initiative and enthused, “Our undergraduates have shown exemplary conduct by serving as role models to these young girls.”
Dr Cheah emphasised the global relevance of the project, stating that, “This initiative is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—specifically, Target 4.1 under SDG 4 for Quality Education and Target 5.5 under SDG 5 for Gender Equality. Through this project, we are contributing to the broader goals of ensuring quality education and promoting gender equality in leadership opportunities.”
“This initiative is in line with UTAR’s vision and mission, which aims to produce graduates who are not only future-ready but also poised to make significant contributions to society,” she added.
UTAR students Loh Yi Hong (left) and Ivan Chung Kah Hou introduce the Puan Sri Khor Chai Moi iMac Laboratory to the guests
The campus tour began at 9:30 a.m., guided by students Loh Yi Hong and Ivan Chung Kah Hou. The itinerary included visits to various academic blocks, where the guides provided insights into the diverse courses offered at UTAR. The children also toured the state-of-the-art facilities such as the UTAR Library, Puan Sri Khor Chai Moi iMac Laboratory at the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, and the computer labs at the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology. Amidst the educational venture, they also had the opportunity to appreciate the campus’s scenic beauty, capturing memorable moments with the iconic bronze sculptures of Confucius and Einstein.
UTAR students Kueh Jun Young (right) and Prishalini Vellachan facilitating a small group during the workshop
One participant vividly illustrates her dream of mastering the art of beauty
Following the tour, a workshop was held where the young visitors were invited to put their dreams and aspirations onto paper. The children took turns presenting their drawings to the group, articulating their dreams and ambitions. This exercise served as an interactive platform for the children to envision a promising future and share their aspirations openly.
Major Yap Pei Yit of The Salvation Army, Ipoh said, “Today’s experiences have planted seeds that we hope will grow into strong, fruitful trees. The journey to knowledge and self-actualisation is a lifelong process, and we’re thankful to UTAR and its students for contributing to this important mission.”
For many of the young visitors, the tour was a first-of-its-kind experience. “This is the first time we have ever visited a university. The campus is so expansive and beautiful,” shared some of the young girls.
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