Allianz AweZome Discovery Day at UTAR

On 10 September 2024, the Allianz AweZome Discovery Day was held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, marking the second year of collaboration between Allianz and UTAR. As the official insurance partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Allianz aimed to foster student self-awareness and career readiness through the dynamic and engaging event.

The day’s events were held in the campus Multipurpose Hall, where various interactive booths centred on personal development were set up.  Students had the opportunity to engage in enjoyable, hands-on activities like using a bicycle machine, testing their strength on a punching machine, and taking a personality test. By visiting these booths, they earned stamps to exchange for free gifts, including glass cups, duffel bags, and shoe bags at the Spin Counter. This initiative encouraged active participation while promoting personal growth and self-discovery.

One of the event’s highlights was the opportunity for students to interact with Allianz’s Human Resource (HR) team. Students were able to consult with HR experts about potential career paths, interview tips, frequently asked questions, and key preparations for entering the job market. In addition, a health mobility check-up station was available to provide basic medical assessments, raising students’ awareness about their health.

Another exciting aspect of the day was the 3x3 basketball competition, in which 18 teams of UTAR students—16 male teams and two female teams, competed for the chance to advance to the grand finale. The top four teams from UTAR will represent the university in the final competition, scheduled from 2 to 4 November 2024, at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, where they will face teams from eight other universities.

At the same time, Allianz’s Head of Customer Advocacy Mr Laurent Haw, delivered an engaging keynote talk on career preparation and leadership. His presentation skilfully blended humour with valuable insights and resonated deeply with the students, making the topics more relatable. Mr Haw emphasised the importance of key leadership traits such as respectability, mutual benefit, and integrity, underscoring how these qualities help to form the foundation of good leadership. He also stressed the importance of self-accountability and proactive decision-making in shaping one’s future. In his words, “You are the one who decides what will you be in the future. Your future is shaped by the current you.” This powerful message encouraged students to reflect on their personal and professional goals and take responsibility for their journey.

The day concluded with the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC) Business Presentation. Seven teams of UTAR students, each comprising three to five members, competed for RM1,000 in seed funding from Allianz. Following 10-minute presentations and Q&A sessions, three teams were selected as winners: Team “Avo.coco & Cuddlepillar”, Team “My-Tee”, and Team “Your Perfect Team”. The winning teams will use the funding to launch their projects and present them at the grand finale in November, where they will operate booths to sell their products or services. Notably, the income generated from these ventures will remain with the students, with no obligation to repay the seed funding. The judging panel included Allianz’s Head of Customer Advocacy Mr Laurent Haw, UTAR Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) Deputy Dean Mr Low Chin Kian, and UTAR Unovate Centre Deputy Head Ts Dr Wong Whee Yen. The judges not only evaluated the business proposals but also offered valuable suggestions for improvement.

The Allianz AweZome Discovery Day at UTAR Sungai Long Campus was a resounding success, offering students valuable insights into self-awareness, career development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. The interactive booths, basketball competition, talk sessions and business presentations provided a well-rounded experience that prepared participants for both personal and professional growth.