Voter Education Programme at UTAR provides insights into Malaysia’s electoral process

The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) of UTAR hosted the Voter Education Programme (Program Pendidikan Pengundi) on 2 December 2024 at the Heritage Hall of UTAR Kampar Campus. It was presented by the Akademi Pilihan Raya (APR) through the Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya Malaysia (SPR).

Present at the event were the Assistant Director (Voter Education), Election Academy, Election Commission of Malaysia Ms Siti Naziha Azman, UTAR academics, staff and students.

The programme, initiated in 2017, aimed to ensure that every citizen receives accurate and reliable information about Malaysia’s electoral process, fostering well-informed voters who understand democracy and its role in shaping the nation’s future. Additionally, the programme offered valuable insights into Malaysia’s electoral process, covering the structure of the government, the history and principles of elections, and the critical importance of voting in a democracy.

Participants engaged in a practical simulation of the voting and vote-counting process, taking on roles as election staff and voters. The activity highlighted real-world challenges, such as assisting voters with disabilities and managing difficult individuals. They also participated in hands-on voting simulations, role-played as election staff, and took part in a quiz competition with prizes for the top performers. Moreover, an interactive online quiz on Kahoot added a competitive element, allowing staff and students to test their knowledge. The top three scorers were awarded with prizes.

By the conclusion of the workshop, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the power of their votes and the democratic system. The Voter Education Programme successfully equipped staff and students with essential knowledge and skills, inspiring greater civic responsibility and active participation in society.

Established in 2007 and restructured in 2016, the Election Academy (APR) is backed by a team of 11 officers and 19 staff dedicated to promoting public awareness about elections. APR carries a vision to be a globally leading and respected learning organisation and democratic institution. With the mission of providing election-related education and training platforms to the community, APR continues to strive to be the main reference centre in this field.