To create and enhance awareness of safety precautions against scammers, the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) organised the UNSCAMMABLE 2024, a two-day programme, consisting of various talks by industry experts from 25 to 26 July 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus.

It kick-started with an opening ceremony, graced by CFS Kampar Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, Senior Manager of KK Supermart and Superstores Sdn Bhd Mr Wong Hon Yin, President of Rotary Club Taiping Mr Lake Sam Tan, Director of UTAR Confucius Institute (China) Prof Dr Ma Yingxin, Project Coordinator Ms Chan Wan Ling, CFS Kampar Deputy Directors Mr Lim Khiew Loon and Ms Phang Ying Ning, heads of departments, guests from Rotary Club Taiping Lake, staff, students and participants from SMK ACS Kampar and SMK Sentosa Kampar.

Ms Chan mentioned, “Scam, unfortunately, is a rapidly developed industry, and no one is guaranteed safe from scams. These scams come in various forms, such as random calls, emails, SMS and many others, and we see victims falling prey to various financial scams. Love scams are also apparent these days, with victims suffering from emotional and psychological damages, including being plagued with guilt and betrayal. On this matter, our talks today are to raise awareness on safeguarding against scams, financially and emotionally. It is important that we equip ourselves with information and knowledge, and educate ourselves on ways to prevent scams. So please feel free to visit our exhibition and talks later to learn more about safeguarding yourself against scams.”

In her speech, Ts Tan said, “With this event, we hope to bring you empowerment, education, and awareness of scams. Scams these days are becoming more sophisticated, and data shows that there is a rise in scam cases, which results in victims suffering from damaging impacts, whether financially or emotionally. It is also alarming to learn that more students are falling victim to these scams, specifically job scams. These job scams are tempting because they promise high salaries with minimum requirements. It is designed to trick victims into thinking there is an alternative option for easy success. So, I hope with the talks and exhibition, you will be able to be more cautious, whether you are making online purchases or sharing information with others. Also, know the types of enforcement agencies that can offer protection against scams.”

Prof Ma also advised participants to act wisely and seek help when faced with scams. She then commended CFS Kampar for their effort in educating the participants on the importance of safeguarding against scams. She also said, “This is an important topic as it impacts everyone. It is good to learn ways to stay safe and strong mentally when facing these challenges. I hope you will also stay smart and resilient in protecting yourself, and equip yourself constantly with information so you are able to make well-informed decisions.”

The highlights of the event were the various talks on scam prevention. The talks included “Avoiding Profit Pitfalls: Recognising Scams in the Stocks and Property Markets” by Vince Group Chief Training Officer Mr MC Diau; “From Scammable to ScamProof against Modern Scams” by Certified Financial Coach Mr Kevin Neoh; “Phone Scams” by JPK Perak’s Siasatan Jenayah Komersial Perancang Strategik ASP Azlan bin Adnan; “The Stories of Scam Victims” by MBA & Economics Degree Holder Mr Daniel Wa; “Say NO to Scams: Strategies for Financial Success and Security” by Managing Director SK iWealth Ms Oo Huei Ying; and “From Scammable to ScamProof against Modern Scams” by Certified Financial Coach Ms Vivian Chin.