Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Public Relations students concluded their PR campaign projects with the handover of contribution of RM 11,000 to UTAR Education Foundation at the UTAR FAS PR Campaign Finale on 4 April 2012 at UTAR Perak Campus.
Launched on 15 February 2012, a series of community engagement activities was organized by seven groups of PR final year students throughout the month of February and March.
The community service campaigns were held as part of the students’ final year project and in line with the University’s 10th anniversary celebration, themed "Broadening horizons, transforming lives".
Teoh Yik Kee, the main Campaign Director of UTAR PR Campaign 2012 said that organising the campaign was an enriching experience and all the seven groups had accomplished wonderful triumphs.
As for Group 1, students created the largest origami mosaic, themed as "togetherness" which rendered them a place in the Malaysia Book of Records and for Group 2, the transformation of Zero to Hero proved that education was an important element for students to grant them a better future. The students from Group 3have created awareness towards the environment using effective mudballs as a scientific solution to treat water pollution and students from Group 4, have achieved theatrical talents.
Besides that, the Group 5 students have raised a total of RM40,000 funds for National Kidney Foundation which was supported by Ministry of Finance and Perak State Executive Council Member, Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, and students from Group 6 havecarried out exciting treasure hunt adventure and secondary school interaction tour to promote the importance of tertiary education.
Following that, the students from Group 7 has gathered a total of RM51, 000 of contribution from the Ministry of Finance, Prime Minister’s Department, Perak State Executive Council Member Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Malaysia Dato’ Lee Chee Leong, and an anonymous donor fortheir aboriginal community service.
"Driven by the theme "Broadening Horizons, Transforming Lives", we have succeeded in organizing several mega events and we are also proud of our achievement as the first group of undergraduates to contribute to the UTAR Education Foundation," added Teoh.
UTAR President Ir Professor Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik said, "UTAR, a not-for-profit organisation, has been receiving contribution from various parties – from philanthropist tycoons to hawkers, and including our alumni. However, this is the first time we receive contribution from our students."
"It is important for us to always contribute back to the society and the University. The campaign has set good example for the juniors and alumni to organise meaningful projects and to contribute in whatever way we can to help the needy." said Prof Chuah, adding that the success of the campaign showed that UTAR has succeeded in nurturing individuals who are socially conscious and responsible.
Kind contribution: Prof Chuah receiving the mock cheque from the main Campaign Director of UTAR PR Campaign 2012, Teoh Yik Kee. With them are Faculty of Arts and Social Science Dean Dr Sebastian K Francis (second from left) and Deputy Dean Dr Cheah Phaik Kin (fourth from right), Public Relations Department Head Gan Pei Li (left), tutors and campaign directors.
