FAS Carnival inspires students through hands-on learning at UTAR Kampar Campus

The Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) of UTAR Kampar Campus organised the FAS Carnival on 14 July 2025. The one-day event aimed to introduce Form Five students from the Kinta Selatan District to university life, creative expression, and career exploration. More than 40 students and seven educators from four schools participated in the immersive event designed by FAS academics, with support from the Faculty of Education (FEd).

The event was officiated by FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng and FEd Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Wei Chooi Yi, who represented FEd Dean Dr Wong Sien Biang.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Lee and Dr Wei encouraged students and educators from SMJK Yuk Kwan, SMK Malim Nawar, SMK Seri Kampar, and SMK Toh Indera Wangsa Ahmad (TIWA) to make the most of the hands-on learning opportunities, both for their academic development and as part of their lifelong learning journey.

The event began with an ice-breaking activity titled Gilligan’s Island, conducted by Puan Nurullashkeen binti Mohd Anis from the Department of Languages and Linguistics. The activity required students to select an item and explain how they would use it to survive on an island, thereby encouraging creativity and boosting public speaking confidence.

Participants then attended a session by image consultant Puan Maslina binti Doraji, invited by the Department of Public Relations. The session helped students discover and enhance their personal style while learning essential workplace etiquette. Using a customised questionnaire, students discovered style choices that best reflected their personalities.

Puan Maslina advised, “What matters most for men’s fashion? It starts with hair, then the collar of your shirt, and finally, a watch. Always wear a watch, even if it’s broken.”

To introduce creativity in advertising, Encik Abdullah Ehlid Al Walid bin Luli from the Department of Advertising conducted an activity on decalcomania, an acrylic-based art technique. Students experimented with the technique by painting and exchanging paint with peers. Their artwork was then used to create advertisements, sparking discussion and inspiration. The session concluded with a brief lesson on the history of decalcomania and its relevance to modern advertising.

In line with the theme of career exploration, final-year students from the Department of Journalism showcased their Final Year Project (FYP) posters and videos. Visitors also had the opportunity to try DSLR cameras used by journalists. To reinforce their learning, students participated in an activity that involved rearranging jumbled journalism-related terms.

“I’m happy to lend a helping hand to show potential university students the opportunities and skills that journalism at UTAR can offer,” said Journalism student Hiroki Loh Shington.

The event concluded with a career profiling session by Mr Ho Khee Hoong from the Department of Psychology and Counselling. Using Holland’s Code and the O*Net Mini Interest Profiler, students were guided in identifying suitable university courses and career paths.

Mr Ho advised, “The Holland Code test is a tool. As with all tools, use it wisely. Don’t let it rule you, but let it guide you.”

Reflecting on the event’s success, Organising Chairperson and Head of Department of English Education Dr Siti Ummaizah binti Meor Musa said, “The FAS Carnival was more than just an introduction to university life. It was a platform to ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence among young learners. We hope that the hands-on sessions and interactions with our academics have left a lasting impression and inspired the students to pursue their passions in higher education.”

Also present at the event were Head of Department of Advertising Dr Nur Afni binti Halil; Head of Department of Journalism Ms Michelle Wong; Head of Department of Public Relations Cik Bazlin Darina binti Ahmad Tajudin; Head of Department of Psychology and Counselling Dr Lee Wan Ying; and FAS academics Puan Norlis binti Ismail, Mr Chang Yi Chang, Encik Afi Roshezry bin Abu Bakar, Ms Chiok Phaik Fern, Ms Mok Sew Kuen, Cik Nurul Izzati binti Azali, Ms Sarata Balaya, Ms Aruna Raj Devarajoo, Ms Eng May Chuen, Cik Nur Zahrawaani binti Jasmin, Ms Teh Su Yen, Ms Yvonne Hoh Jgin Jit, Puan Nur Aizuri binti Md Azmin, Ms Darshnee Muniandy, Dr Tiew Chia Chun, Mr Lee Ling Khai, and Mr Amir Izuddin bin Mohamad Ghazali.