Kindling the community dream: Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 for UTAR Hospital

When the community comes together, many wonders can turn into reality. This includes quality healthcare—powered by the community’s effort and hope. Like the guiding philosophy of UTAR Hospital ‘Cultivating talent, caring for all, sowing the seeds of goodness’, the Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 (优医2.0星洲情义嘉年华) for UTAR Hospital brought people together to celebrate compassion, strengthen healthcare services, and redefine community fun.

As a fundraising initiative jointly organised by Sin Chew Daily, MagnumCares, UTAR, and UTAR Hospital, the Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 successfully raised RM285,825 for the hospital, exceeding the original target of RM200,000—illuminating the community’s enduring spirit of giving and care.

Together for care — Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 raised RM285,825 for UTAR Hospital, surpassing its goal

Front row, from left: Ms Foong, Datin Irene Yek, Ms Tan, Ms Chan, Mr Goh, Mr Hew, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Datuk Chong Fhui,
Tan Sri Academician Prof Chuah, Tan Sri Ting, Mr Koo Cheng, Prof Dato’ Tan, Prof Choong, Mr Alan Teh, Mr Eddie Lee, Prof Goi, Mr Chong, Mr Irvin Ho,
Ms Anita Zhao, Mr Eddie Yee, and Ms Ashley Yun opening the Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 with guests and sponsors

The Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 was launched with a prosperous display of drum performance by the UTAR Kampar 24 Festive Drum Club

The second iteration of the Sin Chew Carnival at UTAR was a lively celebration that combined entertainment, community engagement, and charitable giving at the heart of UTAR Kampar Campus, Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik. On 13 and 14 September 2025, carnival-goers enjoyed a wide range of activities—from indulging in delectable snacks and drinks at the Charity Delights Market Zone to participating in interactive games, cultural workshops, and the STEM fair; immersing themselves in the laughter of exciting stage performances; testing their skills in various sports and casual competitions; exploring the world of books at the Popular Bookfair; gaining inspirations from TEDx Talks; relaxing the body and mind at the Mindful Bazaar; and learning about essential health conditions through free health screenings conducted by UTAR Hospital.

Yoga Workshop — starting the day may be a stretch, but morning yoga was a perfect stretch

Activities Galore — never a dull moment at the booths throughout the carnival

Booked for Fun! The Popular Bookfair had everyone covered

Not a single full moon in sight, yet the winds of harvest were strong at the carnival’s Mid-Autumn Festival

Balloons, big smiles, and a jovial clown who stole the show

It was an ‘eat on the go’ mania at the carnival, with delicious aromas and fun filling the air

Young artists took the stage! The colouring contest gave them a canvas to express their creativity

A blast to the future! Future builders from Tamil primary schools (SJKT) across Perak lit up the STEM Fest

Creativity on the roll at the dough figurine making workshop

It wasn’t all gleaming — fun and fright went hand in hand at the Harvest Ward spooky house

The Fund & Fun Zone — where laughter stacked up high beyond the grand hall

Bless you! The ‘God of Love’ made a special appearance at the carnival

Henna in hand — participants exploring the delicate art of henna tattooing at the workshop

Apple Watch, VeryGood nutrition drink, HIKSEMI storage devices, and more at the lucky draw sessions

Mind for a cup of Dhyana Tea? It was all calm at the Mindful Bazaar

Voices of the community — local talents wowed the crowd at the singing contest

It was not just an opening for the carnival! Yi Chuan 5.0 brought waves of artistic performances as twilight fell

Carnival-goers checking their health at the free health screening session by UTAR Hospital

Not just a product exhibition, but a booth surrounded by games and innovation at the HIKSEMI Tech Fair

The spirit of community extended beyond participation. Several organisations generously donated funds to support UTAR Hospital and its initiatives, including Grand Kampar Hotel (RM100,000), HIKSEMI Malaysia (RM47,797), and VERYGOOD Global (M) Sdn Bhd (RM13,228).

From left: Prof Choong receiving the mock cheque from VERYGOOD Global (M) Sdn Bhd General Manager Mr Wong Shau Meng

From left: Prof Choong receiving token of appreciation from HIKSEMI Malaysia Sales Manager Ms Anita Zhao

In his remarks, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “Two years ago, the Sin Chew Carnival was hosted at UTAR for the first time, receiving great support from generous benefactors and successfully raising over RM640,000 for the development of UTAR Hospital. Hence, UTAR is honoured to once again collaborate with Sin Chew Daily and MagnumCares to co-host this prestigious event. This carnival aims to raise funds for the university’s scholarship fund, as well as for medical equipment and patient welfare aid at UTAR Hospital—furthering our mission of cultivating talent and serving the community.”

He added, “To date, we have awarded more than RM219million in internal scholarships and RM20.4million in interest-free student loans, benefitting over 23,000 students. Since UTAR’s establishment, we have remained committed to providing financial support to students in need, and the continuation of this vital initiative depends on the generous support of the wider community. Thanks to the generous support, our students can focus fully on their studies and pursue their dreams without the burden of financial worries.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe expressing his gratitude to the public community for the unwavering support

Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Executive Director and Sin Chew Daily Chief Executive Officer Mr Koo Cheng said, “Sin Chew Carnival is one of Sin Chew Daily’s most significant brand campaigns. The impact of this carnival goes beyond fundraising; it also strengthens community engagement by encouraging parents, local residents, and the wider public to visit the school and witness its development firsthand. Through fundraising initiatives and a variety of recreational activities, students are also given the chance to take part in planning and organising, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in their school.”

He added, “For many years, UTAR and TAR UMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology) have consistently offered the most fully-funded scholarships through the Sin Chew Daily Education Fund and have attracted the highest number of applications from underprivileged students supported by the Sin Chew Daily Readers Study Aid Project. This underscores TAR’s (拉曼) role as a key choice for many underprivileged Chinese students striving to transform their lives through higher education.”

Mr Koo Cheng sharing the long-standing story of Sin Chew Carnival across Malaysia, made possible by community support

In his remarks, UTAR Hospital Board Chairman and UTAR Council Member Ir Academician Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Chuah Hean Teik highlighted that the funds from the public community is more than just numbers, but a sincere care for people in need—which will be allocated to three key areas.

Elaborating on the allocation of funds at UTAR Hospital, he remarked, “Our primary focus is to channel the donated funds to the patient welfare aid, ensuring that financially vulnerable patients can receive treatment without undue financial strain. To date, the initiative has helped over 40 patients, and through the Care programme, has allowed them to make payments in manageable instalments. We are confident that more patients in need will be able to access essential treatment in the future.”

“Secondly, our hospital will introduce advanced medical equipment and technologies to empower our doctors and medical staff to deliver more precise and efficient treatments, thereby enhancing the overall standard of care. In the near future, we also plan to establish an ophthalmology centre, a cardiac catherisation laboratory (Cath Lab), and an oncology centre.”

“Thirdly, in response to the growing patient needs and the hospital’s continued development, we are expanding our medical services and specialities to deliver more comprehensive healthcare to the community. At present, UTAR Hospital provides outpatient consultations and surgical services across various specialities, including Internal Medicine, Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Obstetric and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Ear-Nose-Throat and Ophthalmology,” Tan Sri Academician Prof Chuah shared regarding the future development of UTAR Hospital.

Tan Sri Academician Prof Chuah highlighting the growth of UTAR Hospital

The Sin Chew Carnival 2.0 for UTAR Hospital was a resounding success, bringing joy, entertainment, and support to the community. Every effort, from the activities to the generous donations, contributed to a shared spirit of care and camaraderie. It was a celebration that went beyond fun, leaving a lasting impact on the community it served.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Perak Area Manager Ms Foong Ching Mean, Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Perak Senior Supervisor of Business Development Mr Alan Teh Pek Ling, Sin Chew Media Corporation Berhad Audience Growth and Management Officer Mr Ho Wei Meng, Magnum Berhad Executive Vice President and Group Chief Operating Officer Datuk Dr Chong Fhui, Magnum Berhad Vice President (Customer Insights Acquisitions PR) Mr Goh Sin Giin, Magnum Berhad Vice President (Digital Assets) Ms Tan Sze Yien, Magnum – ENE Perak Sdn Bhd Vice President-Regional Head of Perak Ms Chan Chit Min, Magnum – ENE Perak Sdn Bhd Assistant Vice President and Sales, Retails and Operation Mr Eddie Lee Yu Woo, VERYGOOD Global (M) Sdn Bhd Chairman Mr Chong Choon Wah, HIKSEMI Malaysia Sales Manager Ms Anita Zhao, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustee Member and UTAR Council Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Ting Chew Peh, UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustee Member Emeritus Prof Dato’ Dr Tan Chong Tin and spouse Datin Irene Yek Siew Hong, UTAR Council Member Mr Hew Fen Yee, UTAR Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong, Yi Chuan 5.0 Organising Chairperson Mr Eddie Yee Gang Fung, Aquila Cup 2025 Organising Chairperson Ms Ashley Yun Wei Yuen, sponsors, UTAR staff and students.

Sin Chew Carnival for UTAR Hospital

First organised in 2007, the Sin Chew Carnival is a fundraising initiative by Sin Chew Daily for education institutions across Malaysia, with Magnum Berhad and MagnumCares coming on board as the main sponsors since 2009. Strongly supported by the community, this nearly two-decade-old brand campaign has organised more than 200 carnivals and raised over RM46million for school development funds since its inception.

The vibrant carnival first stepped into the UTAR community in 2023, when the inaugural Sin Chew Carnival for UTAR Hospital was held at UTAR Kampar Campus on 29 and 30 July 2023, raising RM642,898 to support the hospital in its early stage of development.

As the carnival of 2025 reached its successful conclusion, UTAR once again extends heartfelt gratitude not only to Sin Chew Daily and MagnumCares, but also to the wider community for the unwavering support over the past decades. ‘A university by the people, for the people. Advancing knowledge and nurturing talents through universal values—always in service of society.’