Organised by the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TAR College), the 8th Festival of the Mind was launched by guest of honour Dato' Seri Chor Chee Heung, Minister of Housing and Local Government Malaysia, together with Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Council Chairman and MMLM Chairman, and Ir Professor Academician Dato' Dr Chuah Hean Teik, UTAR President at the UTAR Perak Campus on 23 June 2012.
After launching, Dato’ Seri Chor also gave a special talk on the importance of unleashing the potential of the mind. “Many people live far below their potential, not because of a lack of ability or talent, but simply because they haven't developed the ability to control and convert their thoughts into actions that lead to success,” he said.
There was also an amazing demonstration on memory skills by Tony Buzan licensed instructor, Mr S. Jeyaraman, and 2nd Prize Winner in the Random Words Category of the Mind Competitions 2012, Cik Nurlina Suraiya.
The Festival of the Mind aims to imprint the importance of mental literacy among the general public and to create awareness about the human mind and ways of tapping into and developing one's brain power. This festival was also an attempt to introduce and promote various techniques and skills pertaining to the improvement of mental literacy, such as memory skill, creativity, and thinking skills.
A series of talks, workshops and exhibitions were held during the festival. Public talks on Sudoku, mind mapping and memory improvement were delivered by experts and professionals.
Among the imminent speakers invited to speak at the festival in Perak Campus was Terry Winchester, an internationally renowned hypnotherapist and author, who founded the Winchester Foundation more than 30 years ago. He spoke on the topics of ‘Alleviate Exam Stress; Develop a Photographic Memory’ and ‘Meditation – It’s Not What You Think’.
Lucky draw sessions held on the following day of the festival, were well-received by the participants. Mohd Fazdhli bin Sahaban won the grand prize and took home a Samsung Galaxy Note.
This annual festival has attracted favourable response from all segments of society, from young school-going children to working adults and retirees since its inaugural launch in 2007.
The first part of the festival was held at Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) Main Campus at Setapak, Kuala Lumpur on 16 and 17 June 2012.
From left: Prof. Chuah, Dato' Seri Chor and Tun Dr Ling launching the event at UTAR Perak Campus
A festival for all walks of life: Children are intrigued by the games at the Festival.
Ross Stephenson (right), a young magician performing tricks using playing cards
Various mindmaps displayed on a wall at the exhibition in Utar
