Zero waste event by Corporate Communication students promote environmental sustainability

Front row, onwards seventh from right: Ms Soo, Zero Waste: Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice supervisors Ms Cheah Shu Xu and Ms Yong Xin Yi, UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency staff Ms Choon Wen Kie (fifth from right), Corporate Communication final year students, UTAR student volunteers, AUT students and lecturers, with SJK (C) Kg. Baru Paroi’s teachers and students

The “Zero Waste: Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice” (Leadership and Team Building) event, organised by UTAR staff and students from the Bachelor of Corporate Communication programme under the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI), in collaboration with the Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) and students from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), was successfully held on 23 November 2024, at SJK (C) Kampung Baru Paroi. The event, which took place from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM, drew approximately 150 participants and aimed to promote environmental sustainability through the principles of zero waste while enhancing leadership and team-building skills among the students.

Ms Soo Sui Peng, the headmistress of SJK (C) Kg. Baru Paroi, conveyed her appreciation to UTAR for facilitating this significant initiative for the students. She highlighted that the event aimed to develop students’ decision-making abilities and inspire them to take initiative. Mr Lim Kok Kian, the chairman of the school board, encouraged students to integrate the lessons learnt during the event into their everyday lives, emphasising the importance of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork in making significant contributions to society.

Throughout the event, several distinguished guests delivered speeches, highlighting the importance of sustainability and leadership in shaping the future. Among the speakers was UTAR Department of Mass Communication Head Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, who emphasised the importance of cultivating teamwork and environmental awareness within the younger generation.

From left: Ms Soo and Mr Lim, representing SJK(C) Kg Baru Paroi to present a token of appreciation to Mr Kenneth Lee

 

Sam Xin Ru, Project Manager of Zero Waste: Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice

The event kicked off with an engaging icebreaker dance, establishing a lively atmosphere for the day. The camp provided a range of interactive and creative activities centred on environmental sustainability and leadership development. In addition to offering students practical strategies for waste reduction, these activities also provided them with opportunities to collaborate in teams, thereby enhancing their sense of responsibility and leadership.

SJK(C) Kg. Baru Paroi students during the ice-breaking session

At the end of the event, 12 awards were presented to recognise students who demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork skills during the camp activities. Prizes were awarded in various categories, including Best Group, Best Male Camper, and Best Female Camper, highlighting their dedication to environmental stewardship and leadership development.

Back row, from right: UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency Ms Choon Wen Kie, AUT lecturer Dr Deepti Bhargava, AUT lecturer Dr Petronella Theunissen and Corporate Communication final year students with SJK(C) Kg. Baru Paroi headmistress, teachers, and award recipients

The organising team, led by UTAR Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC), expressed their gratitude to the school and participants for their support. They highlighted the event’s role in shaping students into responsible leaders who will drive sustainable development in the future. The event also provided a valuable cross-cultural learning experience for eight students from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) who participated as volunteers, gaining insights into Malaysian education and multicultural harmony. Looking ahead, UTAR aims to continue offering similar initiatives that combine environmental education with leadership training, providing students with more opportunities to make a positive impact on their communities.

SJK(C) Kg. Baru Paroi students enjoying the station games