Institute of Chinese Studies
Event Report
ICS Community Service Project cum Cultural Trip on 23.1.2016
社区服务暨文化之旅
As Chinese New Year is just around the corner, 30 volunteers from UTAR’s Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) visited Bao En Shi (Old Folks’ Home) and Orphanage Anning, Ipoh on 23 January 2016 to spread festive cheer. This ICS community service project aimed to spark continuous interactions between UTAR ICS and the community, and also to uphold the spirit of serving learning among UTAR ICS students with the hope that it will encourage more volunteering and contributions from students to the community after graduation.
The ICS volunteers brought along angpow, daily supplies, food, and stationery to be presented to the old folks and children. Project co-advisor and Chinese Studies lecturer Mok Tuck Hau sent his best wishes to the old folk and children during his speech. He said, “We are encouraging our students to learn not only from the classroom, but also to actively engage society to contribute to the community.”
Project coordinator Woo Jen Lin said, “May the thoughtful deeds and gifts of the ICS students and donors bring joy and warmth to the residents of Bao En Shi and Orphanage Anning. Thanks for their generous contributions and supports in this project.”
A series of performances was brought forth by the ICS volunteers, such as singing, dancing, sign language and hand technique performances. During the performance of Chinese New Year songs, all the volunteers gathered together happily and sang beautifully.
Later in the afternoon, the group paid a visit to Cheap Seng Pottery, which was aimed at gaining a hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of ceramic manufacturing and ocarina arts.
Chinese Studies student, Chin Wei Ning said, “Problem solving and team spirit are the skills that I learnt in the classroom. These skills really helped me a lot during my performance at Bao En Shi. During our performance, my friends and I had to go for alternative solutions to solve problems as soon as possible in order to ensure the smooth flow of the performance. It was really a good experience for us and we had fun learning as a team. I am really looking forward to participating in more meaningful activities such as this in future.”
Another Chinese Studies student, Yong Kian Fai said, “This is my second time paying a visit to Bao En Shi. The first visit was when I was in secondary school. The trip gave me another experience and opportunity to interact and perform better than the previous time. It was a fun learning experience for all of us.”
Wong Xue Er, a Chinese Studies student, said, “As a university student, our role is not limited to only focusing on academic excellence. We also need to be more aware of issues affecting our society, especially those related to people in need. Our small contribution will mean a lot to them. I felt very grateful for being able to be one of the volunteers on this team. I hope that I can visit Bao En Shi and Orphanage Anning again in future.”
For more photographs on the event, please visit the below link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111675257412951723557/ICSCommunityServiceProjectCumCulturalTrip2312016
We are a TEAM! ICS members with all donated daily supplies, food, and stationery
Group photograph with children at Orphanage Anning, Ipoh
Sweet smile on everyone faces
ICS members delivering presents
Reported by Ms Woo Jen Lin (ICS) & Ms Tan Yong Ling (DCCPR)