THP FBF joins hands to nurture future lifesavers

Small hands, but big hearts – these children are the future community helpers who will spread love, kindness, and care to those around them. During their visit to the Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat Kampar on 30 July 2025, the kindergarteners’ excitement showed that learning can be just as effective when it is fun. Surrounded by shiny fire trucks, tall ladders, and grand uniforms, the children learned about safety, responsibility, and community spirit.

The community outreach committee comprised 15 academics from the Teh Hong Piow Faculty of Business and Finance (THP FBF) and nine students. The team shared, “We believe that early safety awareness is important. Through this activity, the children learnt about the function of smoke alarms and ways to respond during emergencies, such as calling the emergency services. We also hope that this visit will help them feel more confident and prepared in the event of emergencies that may occur at home or school.”

An important value instilled among the children was respect and gratitude. The up-close view of the heavy gears helped them understand the demanding nature of a firefighters’ job. They gained insight into the rigorous training and preparation required for firefighters to perform their duties effectively. The bravery of firefighters, who risk their own safety, highlighted their vital role in protecting the community.

The team also hoped to provide an experiential learning for the kindergarteners, where they see ideas turn into real-life understanding. Beyond learning about safety rules, the children were able to practise them in action. They combined visuals, hands-on activities, and storytelling by firefighters, ensuring that the lessons would remain impactful and long-lasting.

Some of the activities conducted during the visit included:

• Activity 1: Meet & Greet with Firefighters and Fire Safety Talk
• Activity 2: Sharing Session on Cybercrime Awareness: Anti-Scammer & Self-Protection Strategies by a UTAR Representative
• Activity 3: Contribution of Plastic Chairs
• Activity 4: Introduction to Fire Engines and Equipment
• Activity 5: Fire Demonstration and Safety Response – Lompat, Rebah dan Guling
• Activity 6: Water Spray from Fire Hose

The team added, “This activity reflects UTAR’s continuous commitment to community engagement, where learning goes beyond the classroom. We are glad to have connected these children with real-life heroes. More than that, it was a meaningful learning platform for them to value safety and appreciate community helpers. Through this effort, UTAR also strengthens its role as an educational institution that not only provides quality and affordable education but also uplifts society, shaping future generations who will carry forward the same spirit of service.”