In the News : Public Relations
2023

Public Relations Awareness Week 2023

In 2019, the Public Relations Awareness Day was held for the first time by the Public Relations Department of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman to expose students to the newest trend in the PR industry by bringing academician and industry expert to provide talks and workshop. 3 years later, the department expanded the event into a week-long one, Public Relations Awareness Week (PRAW) 2021. Each year since, the event has brought together not only students and academicians, but also industry experts, alumni, and international speakers.

To celebrate the 18th year of the Public Relations programme, the theme for PRAW 2023 was  ‘The Coming of Age.’ The theme is to commemorate the programme numerous achievements and acknowledgement as well as to make the programme more industry relevant and driven. Following this, the department has involved secondary school students in the event to polish the potential of the next generation of prospective PR practitioners.

Public Relations Talks and Workshops

PRAW 2023 kicked off with two face to face sessions with representatives from renowned PR agencies. The first talk titled “Career in PR”,  given by Rantau PR on 6th November 2023, was attended by 94 PR students. Jida, a senior consultant at Rantau PR had an engaging two hour session with the students where she gave an in depth look into the PR industry practices and trends. The second talk on 7th November 2023 was titled “Future-proof Your Career Growth: Mastering Branding in the Age of AI” and was given by Stella Wong who was the founder of Brand Soul Malaysia to 85 PR students. As one of the leading AI experts in the Malaysian PR industry, Stella had emphasized the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary knowledge and skills to bring PR into the next level.

The second talk on 7th November 2023 was titled “Future-proof Your Career Growth: Mastering Branding in the Age of AI” and was given by Stella Wong who was the founder of Brand Soul Malaysia to 85 PR students. As one of the leading AI experts in the Malaysian PR industry, Stella had emphasized the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary knowledge and skills to bring PR into the next level.

ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme

PRAW has not always been about the students. On 8th November 2023, the department also invited two trainers from Universiti Utara Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Mohd Khairie Ahmad and Dr S Maartandan Suppiah for the ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme. This training aimed to build resilience against misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information for the communities in the ASEAN countries. Participants who have completed the programme will receive a certificate that is certified by ACRU UUM, Asia Center, ASEAN Foundation and Google.

Kickstart your Campaign with SMK Sultan Muhammad Shah

On 9th November 2023, PRAW 2023 brought the festivities to SMK Sultan Muhammad Shah in Parit, Perak. To give prospective PR students a peek into what being a PR practitioner is, Nur Zahrawaani Jasmin led a workshop on how to strategically plan and manage a PR campaign. The workshop was joined by almost 100 secondary school students.

Industry Visit to Edelman and GO Communications

To wrap up PRAW 2023, 37 PR students and 3 PR lecturers traveled to Klang Valley on 15 November 2023 to visit established PR agencies for an up-close and personal look at what happens behind the scenes of PR campaigns. The first agency, Edelman, is an organization that has been around since 1952 and it has given the students a comprehensive look at the intricacies of PR work and how diverse the industry is. Later in the day, the students visited GO Communications and was treated to a personal showcase of successful PR campaigns by the agency and advice on what makes a good PR campaign.

The Coming of Age

The PR programme has been around since 2005 and it is proud of its implementation of the latest curriculum structure, the five Teaching Excellence Recipients, the award-winning student projects, the applicability of the programme to SULAM practice and SDG goals, the Industry and International collaboration as well countless awareness campaigns made on shifting perception of the public relations profession. Part of that excellence is understanding that university life is not just about classroom excellence. Through PRAW, we hope to produce many more quality graduates that fulfilled the industry needs by engaging the industry exposure holistically its teaching and learning.

2022

"Program Smart Jati Diri" Benefits 200 Standard 6 Pupils

Students and teachers from SK Jalan Pegoh at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik
A total of 200 Standard 6 pupils from two primary schools in Ipoh benefited from "Program Smart Jati Diri" organized by lecturers from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS), UTAR.

The program, a consultancy project of FAS lecturers, was held separately for both schools on two different days.

"Program Smart Jati Diri 6.0" was conducted on 30th August 2022 with the participation of 152 pupils and 10 teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pegoh, whereas 48 pupils from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pengkalan Baharu accompanied by 10 teachers took part in "Program Smart Jati Diri 1.0" on 5th September 2022.

The organizer aimed to achieve five objectives that are directed towards the academic and non-academic achievement of the participants, including improving confidence, improving skills and creativity, adding self-value, shaping noble personality, and forming a sense of responsibility.

The half-day event was filled with activities such as Activity 1, UTAR Tour, and Mass Reflection. The event began at 8 a.m. and ended at 1.30 p.m.

Dr. Lee Lai Meng, the Dean of FAS, delivered a closing remark in "Program Smart Jati Diri 6.0".

Arrival of participants at Block K, UTAR Kampar Campus [PSJD 6.0]

Participants divided into four main groups during the registration [PSJD 6.0]

"Program Smart Jati Diri 6.0" participants listening to the welcoming remark by the Project Chairman, Encik Afi Roshezry

Participants working in group for Activity 1 [PSJD 6.0]

Tour at UTAR Main Library, Kampar Campus [PSJD 6.0]

Tour at UTAR Hospital [PSJD 6.0]

Tour at UTAR Gallery [PSJD 6.0]

Principal of SK Jalan Pegoh, Encik Kamson bin Misni (Left) exchanging certificates of appreciation with Dr. Lee, the Dean of FAS [PSJD 6.0]

Encik Afi delivering a welcoming remark in "Program Smart Jati Diri 1.0"

Participants completing task given in Activity 1 [PSJD 1.0]

Participants developing confidence and communication skill through presentation [PSJD 1.0]

Participants enjoying the interaction with friends and facilitator [PSJD 1.0]

Participants singing 'Gemuruh Jiwa' by Faizal Tahir [PSJD 1.0]

Briefing session during the tour at UTAR Hospital [PSJD 1.0]

Tour at UTAR Main Library, Kampar Campus [PSJD 1.0]

Briefing about Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik [PSJD 1.0]

Participants visiting tutorial rooms at Block P, UTAR Kampar Campus [PSJD 1.0]

The exchange of souvenirs between UTAR and SK Pengkalan Baharu [PSJD 1.0]

Show of Creativity in Green Fashion

Press HERE to read the article in The Star

“R-Show in Kampar” 教育废物管理5R原则

R-Show in Kampar: Educating 5R Principles of Waste Management

优大办5R服装设计赛 启发民众环保重要性

PR Students Organise R-Show to Encourage Recycling

FAS Undergraduate Students Town Hall Meeting

Group photo of students and lecturers after FAS undergraduate students town hall meeting
FAS undergraduate students town hall meeting organised by the Student Development Committee (SDC) was held for the first time on 22 July 2022 at LDK5 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

During the meeting, the students had raised some questions and voiced out concerns as well as complaints related to their undergraduate lives at UTAR. Among the issues raised were Wifi or Internet connectivity, Hi-Hive/MySejahtera checking by guards, increase in COVID-19 cases, cumbersome procedure of leave application, and coursework feedback as practised by the Department of Public Relations.

The meeting was joined by 60 students from the Department of Public Relations and Department of Advertising. Together with students on that day were the Head of Departments and SDC members from both departments.

A student sharing her concerns on the increase in COVID-19 cases and its impacts on the students

Ms. Bazlin, the Head of Department of Public Relations, answering students' inquiries

Warning Signs at Waterfalls Highlight Lurking Danger


Students Clean Up Kampar Village to Prevent Dengue

优大与县会联办推广活动 巴刹壁画提醒减塑

UTAR PR CSR Project 2022: Kampar Zero Waste Mural Launching Ceremony
Sin Chew Daily

Pre-event Announcement

Sin Chew Daily
China Press

U-亮书坊 重亮灯了 欢迎宋溪榴莲孩子来访

培育宋溪榴莲孩子阅读兴趣 优大U亮书坊重启

The Art and Science of PR in the Digital Age: 'Bold Enough to Stream'










Press HERE to read the article in Malaysiakini

向志愿后备警察敬礼

Education as Entertainment: Social Media Sensations 'Bold Enough to Stream'







Please press HERE to read the article in Malaysiakini

优大公共关系学生组织企划项目   推广大众传播系公共关系课程








Please press HERE to read the article in Sin Chew Daily
2021

UTAR PR Students Organise PR PALette 2021

The PALette 2021: Wired-In 2nd Communication and Public Relations was launched on 27 March 2021 via Facebook Live. It was jointly organised by the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and the Department of Public Relations parked under Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) of UTAR Kampar Campus. In line with the Wired-In 2nd Communication and Public Relations Webinar series, a large-scale online activity consisting of six webinars and 18 campaigns was also organised by all 131 Public Relations (PR) students from 1 March 2021 to 28 March 2021 via Facebook and Instagram.

The objective of PALette 2021 was to support the local Malaysians in their journey as they face current struggles such as the COVID-19 pandemic. It also aimed to motivate the nation and citizens to move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The webinar also aimed to enhance public awareness on how the frontliners and the COVID-19 survivors go through their daily lives in fighting against the COVID-19.

The event “Wired-In: 2nd Communication and Public Relations Webinar” was comprised of three main event activities which were keynote speeches, industry talk and Final Year Project (FYP) poster competition. After the welcome speech by UTAR FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng, the event was graced by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong.
Dr Lee giving her welcome speech
“It gives me great pleasure to be able to attend this event. Every year we look forward to events held by the Public Relations students who take UAMP2023 Event Planning and UAMP2033 Event Management courses. In the past, we used to hold large scale or small scale physical events which are usually completed by the students themselves, guided by a few faculty members. Organising these events allows our students to apply the theories they have learnt and gain hands-on experience,” said Dr Lee in her welcome speech.
Prof Choong giving the opening speech
Prof Choong said in his opening speech, “The PALette 2021: Wired-In 2nd Communication and Public Relations Webinar was first organised in 2019. It attracted many local and international participants and speakers, Public Relations industry experts as well as staff and students from UTAR. As a university ‘by the people, for the people’, UTAR has always believed in community engagement and enriching activities not only for the students in the university but also the public community.”

He added, “Therefore, this webinar is most relevant for our students and youths who need to brace themselves for greater digitisation and transformation in their lifestyle and at their workplace with never before challenges prior to the pandemic. Through this webinar, I hope that participants will also be able to identify future skill needs, and hopefully discuss solutions to problems that will reflect long-term sustainability, and engage in meaningful discussions with the speakers, peers and professionals.”

University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Assoc Prof Dr Chang Peng Kee was invited to deliver an officiating speech titled “The Labour Market Outlook in the Pandemic Economy: Challenges for PR and Communication Graduating Students in Malaysia” where he advised graduates to learn more skills in order to secure a job. “To secure a job during this pandemic period, I would suggest you to have additional skills such as analytical thinking, innovation, active learning and learning strategies. Besides, as a PR student, the ability to manage people is indeed important,” he said.
Dr Chang presenting his speech
Invited to deliver the keynote speeches were University of Southern Queensland Public Relations Senior Lecturer Dr Chris Kossen and UUM College of Arts and Science Multimedia Technology and Communication Senior Lecturer Dr Mohd Khairie bin Ahmad. They presented their topics titled “Micro-learning an Online Delivery and Pedagogy” and “Disruptive PR: Unmask the strategic communication” respectively.

While speaking of the effectiveness of micro-learning as a teaching method, Dr Chris enthused, “Micro-learning is useful in two ways; it increases interest and it is less daunting. To increase the interest in learning for students, we have to design principles to reduce the volume of learning materials. This would improve students’ learning experience and outcomes. Since it is less daunting, it could help increase students’ motivation to engage in content and learning by making learning materials more attractive to students.”
Dr Chris delivering his keynote speech
On the other hand, Dr Mohd Khairie’s keynote speech focused on the impact of digital/cyber communication on Public Relations Practice. He told the participants that high technology has become a form of social relationship, so the disruptive technology has dramatically transformed the industry. “Disruptive PR happens because of technology, gadgets, automation of processes, social media or innovations in terms of products and services. This affects the stages of planning, executing, and managing a communication strategy,” he said.
Dr Mohd Khairie presenting the statistic of annual digital growth
The keynote speeches were followed by FYP Poster Competition where students from universities all over the country compete to present their FYP posters. There were ten entrants and the winners received a cash reward.

The industry talk session was kicked off by Bridges PR & Events Sdn Bhd General Manager-cum-UTAR alumnus Leonard Heng who talked about the foundations of communication, as well as digital and formal public relations.

Two online forums were held after the industry talk session. Invited to speak during the online forum were Memoires Event Management Sdn Bhd Founder Pinky Tiong, Brand Soul Malaysia Sdn Bhd Co-Founder Stella Wong and Brand Activation, IN2 Marketing and Consulting Sdn Bhd Assistant Manager Desmond Tan Chong Kee. The forum was titled “The future of PR and communications post-COVID-19”. It was moderated by UTAR FAS lecturer Pong Kok Shiong.

The online forum titled “Challenges faced by students undergoing OTL” featured university students. The invited speakers were HELP University (Damansara) Faculty of Arts and Communication student Adrian Tam Zhi Tin, MARA Diploma in English Communication student Amirah Afrina binti Bahrinshah, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication student Muhammad Izzudin bin Shahrom and UTAR FAS student Sherwina Deepa Devanbu. The forum was moderated by PALette 2021 Chairperson-cum-UTAR FAS student Alycia Wong Lye Min.

The event ended with a closing speech by UTAR FAS Department of Public Relations Head Dr S Maartandan Suppiah. He said, “Thank you, everyone, for participating in The PALette 2021: Wired-In 2nd Communication and Public Relations Webinar. I hope that every one of you has personally benefited from this webinar. I am also pleased to witness the participation of undergraduates from various institutes in the FYP Poster Competition. This signifies that seeking strategic partnership among higher education institutions can add greater value to the undergraduates.”

The grand launch was the collaborative efforts of all five groups. Prior to the grand launch, each group also organised a series of activities, including six webinars and 18 campaigns that revolved around social issues such as cyberbullying, cybercrime, communications, front-liners and mental health, and sustainability and digital transformation. The PR students were led by two advisors, namely FAS Department of Public Relations lecturers Clarence Anthony Puspanathan and Nur Zahrawaani binti Jasmin.

With the aim to develop a healthier cyber environment by organising awareness campaigns and webinars, Group Lacuna, consisting of 23 dedicated students, focused on the issue of cyberbullying and cyberspace with their sub-theme ‘Message from Lacuna: Social Media 101’. The webinar was held via Facebook Live on 6 March 2021.

The webinar featured two major talks titled “Think Before You Leap” and “Breaking Walls and Building Armour” and a contest titled “Quizizz Game Session”. The Project Advisor of PALette 2021, Clarence said, “With today’s webinar, I hope the professional speakers will share information about cyberbullying and provide the public and students with more ideas on how to deal with cyberbullying.”

Invited to deliver the talks for the two webinars titled “Think Before You Leap” and “Breaking Walls and Building Armour” were Inside Think Tank Creative Founder-cum-“Kenn’s Blog” Blogger Yeap Thiam Hoong and UTAR FAS Department of Psychology and Counselling lecturer Wirawahida binti Kamarul Zaman respectively.

The webinar ended with “Quizizz Game Session”, an easy contest with interesting prizes. The purpose of this session was to increase the audience’s understanding of cyberbullying as well as to help them recall all the important information provided by the invited speakers.
Yeap during his session “Think Before You Leap”
Wirawahida during her session “Breaking Walls and Building Armour”
The “Quizizz Game Session”
With the aim to contribute to the effort of reducing cyber-crimes caused by the pandemic, Group Cyber Smart from PALette 2021 organised a series of quiz and provided knowledge via video sharing on Facebook from 3 March 2021 to 5 March 2021. They also invited a police officer and criminology experts to conduct a webinar titled “Beware: Are You an Easy Target” in order to educate the audiences, especially the youngsters that are not aware of scams. The event was held on 4 March 2021 via Facebook Live.

Invited to speak at the webinar titled were National University of Malaysia Criminologist and Senior Lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Mohammad Rahim Kammaluddin and Jenayah Telekomunikasi JSJK Pegawai Penyiasat Kanan DSP Nur Asrul Hj Ariff.

Aside from listening to the informative talks from the speakers, the audiences also had the chance to participate in a lucky draw session which was conducted during break time. A total of 10 winners was chosen from the lucky draw. The lucky draw numbers were given to the participants when they registered for the event through the Google Form.
Quiz organised by Group Cyber Smart
Dr Mohammad Rahim (left) and DSP Nur Asrul (right)
To highlight the contributions of the frontliners and to provide awareness on the COVID-19, Group Pharos of PALette 2021 organised a webinar titled “Real – Life Stories: Frontliners – I, Want to Share!” on 17 March 2021 via Facebook Live. The group was comprised of 30 passionate students. Key stakeholders such as doctors, nurses, delivery personnel and even COVID-19 survivors were invited to share their experiences and struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, mental health campaign like virtual Zumba session titled “Kick with Zumba” was also conducted on 13 March 2021 by Zumba instructors Eric Soo (conducted in Chinese) and Sheena William (conducted in English). The purpose of organising the Zumba session was to provide the participants with a short getaway from the hustles and bustles of their life.

During the event, the students also took the opportunity to show their respects and give thanks to all the frontline heroes on the Facebook page of PALette 2021: Pharos. A few Augmented-Reality filters were published to viral the appreciation messages for the frontliners.
The sharing session titled “Real – Life Stories: Frontliners – I, Want to Share!” on Facebook
Students showing their respects to the frontline heroes
Group photo of participants during the Zumba session
To educate the public about the effective use of recyclable and reusable items to reduce waste as well as the consequences of improper waste disposal towards the environment, a group of 15 passionate PR students from Group Green Mania organised an online campaign titled “Green Mania” from 15 March 2021 to 19 March 2021 via Facebook page “PALette 2021: Green Mania”.

The highlights of the campaign activities were “Fabric Mask DIY Workshop” and the #RabbitRingChallenge. The #RabbitRingChallenge served as a way to encourage the public to turn waste into cute accessories by using the discarded face mask, while “Fabric Mask DIY Workshop” encouraged the public to showcase their creativity and practice 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) by making their own masks. A live streaming video which was conducted in both English and Mandarin was carried out to explain the steps to make the fabric mask.

In hopes to stimulate the public’s interest and instil environmental awareness among the public through informative and innovative contents, the group also did promotional efforts by sharing information and held activities such as lucky draw session, posters, video, infographics, memes, animations and Augmented Reality (AR) filteron the social media accounts.

The campaign received tremendous support from the public as there were more than 50 participants who participated in the #RabbitRingChallenge. The campaign also gained over 3.2k audience engagements during the Facebook Live of the “Fabric Mask DIY Workshop”.
“Green Mania Campaign” committee used the Augmented Reality (AR) Filter to promote the campaign
Target audience captured their selfies using the Augmented Reality (AR) Filter to show their support for the campaign
“Fabric Mask DIY Workshop” was conducted on the Facebook page “PALette 2021: Green Mania”
Participants of #RabbitRingChallenge showcasing their masterpieces
With the goal to recognise and promote local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which have transformed digitally during the pandemic and to motivate young entrepreneurs to pursue digital businesses, the Group Digital Transformer of PALette 2021 organised a webinar titled “Transform! Stepping into the Digital Space” on 28 March 2021 via Microsoft Teams. The event was promoted on their Facebook page “PALette 2021: Digital Transformer”.

Invited to speak at the webinar were Yours Truly Entertainment Founder Lay Yishern and Strategy for Nodrad Sdn Bhd Vice President Gobaind Naidu.

Lay said, “I am an ex-pilot. I decided to retrench my job because of the pandemic. However, the pandemic did not stop me from venturing into a new business as I found a one-stop event service provider - Yours Truly Entertainment. I am not from a PR or Marketing educational background but I was able to manage my business well. I believe this is because of my attitude of never giving up and keep learning.” He also shared his experience of ups and downs during the process of transformation.

During his sharing session titled “Data Driven Organisation”, Naidu told the participants that there were eight business models using data which included “Knowing your customer, leading to better targeting and relationship (Disney and Netflix)”, “Information-based better services (UPS and FedEx)”, “Data-driven reliability (BMW and Siemens)”, “Information Brokers, Arbitrage and Trading Opportunities: Investment funds”, “Improving the customer journey/experience (Harrah’s)”, “Risk Management, regulation and compliance”, “Efficiency or Beer performance per dollar cost (General IT and SAP)” and “Functional Applications: Human Resource and Hiring, Operations (Walmart)”.

The webinar ended with a Q&A session and a quiz session. The video saw 1.4k views on Facebook on 31 May 2021.
Lay sharing his personal experience in establishing his new company
Naidu giving an academic webinar on Data Driven Organisation

PALette 2021 also received media coverage in the following newspaper:

China Press

FAS PR Students Bring Forth Awareness on SDGs

A virtual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Campaign was recently launched with its first event falling on 13 March 2021 and the last on 2 April 2021. The event was organised by UTAR Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations (PR) undergraduates, earlier this year during the January Trimester.

With the focus on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the campaign was established to modify education for sustainable development to ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed for key societal issues. The campaign was participated by representatives of local businesses, non-profit bodies, educational institutions, as well as artists, musicians and students from local primary schools and universities.

In a massive effort to gather the community to create awareness and drive the nation towards the achievement of SDGs, the campaign featured 10 different sub-projects that emphasised four different specific goals with a mixture of activities with different SDGs to expose participants to a range of issues through simple yet fascinating experiences. The activities included SDGs such as Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action to sustain their activities, to contribute to society as well as to raise awareness of different issues. The campaign involved sub-projects with different focuses of SDGs followed by categories of acts which included food and drinks, clothes, and conserving resources to incorporate sustainability into people’s daily lives to a point where it is easily embedded into everyday choices.


PR undergraduates of CSR Campaign January Trimester 2021
CSR Campaign Main Director Chong Qiao Lin said, “In this age of the Covid-19 pandemic, our campaign made it to be the very first CSR campaign that was fully held online. In this regard, not only the students modified the executions out of the box, but also leverage of socially responsible actions was indulged through this campaign with even heavier digital monitoring compared to previous projects.”

“I believe that by witnessing CSR practices shifting to online mode could result in a better enhancement in terms of giving out and receiving the related education to the community. As a matter of fact, the pandemic has actually driven a new framework to CSR practices and fundamentally adjusted the whole social changes. Viewing from a student’s perspective, it eventually constitutes a new cultural legacy of the new CSR-era, bringing the university’s project organisation to a whole new level,” Chong said.

According to Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Department of Public Relations lecturer-cum-campaign advisor Diong Fong Wei, the goal of the event was to bring ideas from education by bringing out awareness and building a degree of comprehension of SGDs not only among the university students but also the members of our society.

Diong has been leading PR undergraduates in CSR projects since 2019. “It was such a memorable journey to work with these many community organisations and businesses who made our campaign possible. The students and I have learnt so much from the vision of the localisation of SDGs and the roles it stands in the long-term transformation pathways in this era of sustainable development,” said Diong.

She added, “On a side note, I must say this batch of undergraduates amazed me with their successful hard work along with the two-month preparation. It is impressive to see how they pushed themselves to the edge of comfort zones and off their limits doing things in a different way when everything had to be done online in these trying times. It has made the point clear that experiential learning is expanding students’ capacity by developing soft skills from their growth in the effort, besides academic knowledge.”

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Five sub-projects have developed acts aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Group 2 organised a talk titled “How Much Do You Know about UTAR Hospital Project?”. They invited Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) UTAR Hospital Project Chief Administrative Officer Chor Choy Yook to introduce UTAR’s non-profit hospital.

Chor said, “The objective of setting up the hospital is to be the preferred hospital of excellence in providing holistic healthcare. We hope that it is the best option for clinical training for students and medical specialists as well.” She also introduced the integration of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) with Western Medicine by UTAR Hospital.

Under the same SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, Group 4’s interaction event “We Might Stay Apart, But We Are Close in Our Heart” was held for stress-relief and bonding purposes. A number of performances filled with emotion, inspiration, humour and passion were performed by the university’s lecturers and students.

Group 2’s invited guest Chor sharing the vision of UTAR Hospital

In line with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, Group 6 organised an online performance session called “Beautiful Gate & Beautiful Us” by inviting Malaysia’s non-profit foundations Beautiful Gate Educational Centre for the Disabled and Beautiful Gate Arts Centre Foundation for the Disabled as their guests to share the happiness prior to the wellness of disabled people.

Group 9’s “Pink Alert” was a breast cancer awareness project. They invited University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon-cum-University Malaya senior lecturer Assoc Prof Dr See Mee Hoong to conduct a sharing session on the awareness of breast cancer.

Group 10, on the other hand, introduced vaccination awareness for their session titled “Vaccination Saves Lives”. The group invited Dr Paneerselvam Thanggiah, a resident doctor to share the bigger picture of the vaccination process in the country.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation & SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Group 5’s “Project 71” embedded SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation with its social media activity aligned to the conservation of water resources. Moreover, a sharing session on water sustainability by non-government organisation Water Watch Penang Executive Manager Dr Hong Chern Wern was also held.

“The mission to create a water-saving society is not done yet and there is still a lot to be continued. We hope that through the launch of this online CSR project, our group can play the role as the student groups continue to contribute to environmental sustainability to conserve water resources this time,” said Dr Hong.


Dr Hong (third row, most left) with Group 5
In line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Group 3’s “Let’s End Food Waste” targeted on daily food wastage issues. A webinar was organised in collaboration with guest speaker Philip Dodd from Education Team of The Lost Food Project (TLFP) as well as the outreach team from TLFP.

In his speech, Philip Dodd stated that fresh food is the biggest contributor to food waste. “There are 820 million malnourished people in the world today, and they do not have enough food for a balanced diet hence they suffer from hunger due to poverty. Now, we have to raise this issue and be responsible for our food to minimise the waste that we make out of them.”

Also, Group 8’s “Trashion”helda general waste-recycling fashion show by promoting waste management with the assistance of the invited guest speaker, Dr Ng Chee Guan from the Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences of Universiti Malaya.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Also, taking the “going green” initiative one step further, SDG 13: Climate Action was in line with Group 1’s “I Pledge, I Act, I Save”event which focused on carbon emission issues. It also assisted four local primary schools in their daily practices to a carbon-free environment.

The invited speaker was Board Member of Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) Dato’ Leong Kin Mun, who spoke on the theme ‘Building Low Carbon Metropolis’ with a social media challenge.

In conjunction with SDG 13: Climate Action, Group 7’s “Edge of Tomorrow: 17 Steps Away”introduced a virtual exhibition on UN’s agenda 17 SDGs. Assistant Secretary of UTAR Sustainable Development Society DK Hanis was invited to share insights that revolved around students’ and youth’s perspectives.

Group 1 members and Dato’ Leong discussing issues on carbon emission
In addition to that, an energy conservation session, in conjunction with Earth Hour, was held with a blended method of musical and educational activities. The project ended with a call-to-action plan which will be held on Earth Day 2021, approximately one month after the event.

“As part of an organising strategy to achieve cross-cutting outcomes, the campaign has set up 10 different operating systems to be fully focusing and in-charge in each sub-project in our governance structure. Throughout the two months’ preparation, major brainstorming and innovation sessions were held in order to creatively and effectively advance sustainability in campus-wide initiatives,” said Chong.

She enthused, “By utilising the latest technology, various social media challenges were carried out to raise awareness on the myriad of individual from daily and easily attainable actions for a sustainable future. As a result, over 1,000 crowd engagement from the community members with approximately 200 participants for each sub-project were recorded in this online participation. We are glad to see how the effort of this campaign started as a simple initiative, hoping to disseminate and influence the awareness of SDGs, turned out reflecting a positive transition from local perspectives.”

“Prior to our tagline – “Serving the Community, Restoring Faith in Humanity”, it will continue as a principle and students are constantly reminded hoping to influence society by doing public provisions with sustainable actions in order to meet the social needs of the community,” she added.

For more information, please contact qiaolinchong@gmail.com.

Initiated in 2019, CSR activities have been part of the course requirement of UAMP 3084 Corporate Social Responsibility by training and involving undergraduates on matters concerning the economy, environment, and social demands of the local communities with a series of hands-on projects.

The CSR campaign also received media coverage in the following newspapers:

China Press
Sin Chew Daily

Being Frontliners and Backliners

by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Phaik Kin
2020

PR Students Demonstrate their Advocacy for CSR

With actions speaking louder than words, a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, organised by a group of 49 Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations (PR) students, proved impactful, when the participants learnt about matters concerning the economy, environment, and social demands of the local communities. The CSR activities were part of the course requirement of UAMP 3084 Corporate Social Responsibility. The students were divided into smaller sub-groups to conduct the activities online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having experienced first-hand of the pandemic, the students from Group 7 organised a “Proper Disposal of Used Face Masks Campaign” from 27 July to 23 August 2020, via UTAR PR CSR Project Facebook page and Google Meet. In view of the increasing use of face masks and environmental pollutions, the students organised this campaign to educate the public about the proper disposals of used face masks, as well as the consequences of improper disposal of face masks towards the environment. They even created a challenge #buangbetulbetulchallenge as a way to encourage the public to follow the proposed steps of proper disposal of used face masks.  


Members of Group 7

Campaign posters for #buangbetulbetulchallenge


Group 7 conducting the campaign on Google Meet


A collage of participants who participated in the #buangbetulbetulchallenge
Face masks are very important in our current situation, because, as we know, the masks protect us from the virus. While the masks protect us from the virus, we should not forget our responsibility to the environment. This includes proper disposal of the used face masks, so that we can avoid polluting the environment. We must also remember that our actions have consequences, so we should be mindful of how we dispose our wastes,” advised Group 7 Chairperson Teh Siok Chin. The campaign ended successfully, with gratitude to the sponsors, namely Restaurant Jia Kampar and Roti Ayam Kampar, who supported and contributed to the campaign. The sponsors also sponsored five e-vouchers which worth more than RM150 to the winner of #buangbetulbetulchallenge. 

Another group that advocated for the environment, was Group 8, with its members organising a “3R Campaign” from 7 to 13 August 2020, via Facebook live. In view of the lacking recycling practice among the public, the group aimed to use the campaign as an educational platform to promote and educate the public about the effective use of recyclable and reusable items to reduce waste. The group also hoped that the campaign would inspire people to start and maintain a recycling habit in their daily lives.


Group 8 members
The campaign, which highlighted that the recycling rate had increased from 5% to 17.5% from 2005 to 2018, also emphasised that the amount of general waste generated in Malaysia continues to increase. Therefore, the campaign also brought awareness to the participants on the high usage of plastics and the lack of proper waste management by Malaysians. The group hoped to encourage the public to take responsibility for the environment, do their part and reduce pollution through recycling, reusing, and reducing waste properly. To further educate the participants on reusing items, an online handcraft workshop was also conducted to demonstrate the many uses of waste materials that many thought were trash. 

In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, Group 5, also advocated for an issue that was on the rise during the pandemic; domestic violence. With their campaign “Say No to Domestic Violence”, the group organised an online awareness talk on 14 August 2020 via Facebook live.


Group 5 campaign poster
During the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Malaysian Government, it was reported that the cases of domestic violence were increasing. We understand that those were trying times for many of the families, but ultimately, violence is not the solution to the problems. So we hope to educate the participants and the public about domestic violence, how to recognise the signs and how sharing information and knowledge can help those around them,” said Group 5 Chairperson Chua Jing Yi. 

The group also invited Mary Anne Joseph from Perak Women for Women Society to give a talk on domestic violence. She provided participants insights on domestic violence and taught them precaution tips for everyone to keep in mind. She also advised all females to voice out with courage when they are facing any domestic abuse. The speaker also interacted with the participants, and an interactive Q&A session ensued. UTAR student Dennis Ooi was also invited to perform at the mini concert organised.


Mary Anne speaking on domestic violence


Ooi performing a song for the participants

Meanwhile, in another awareness campaign organised on 9 August 2020, via Facebook live, the “B40: You Know but You Are Not Aware” educated the participants and the community of New Wah Loong Village about the people belonging in the B40 income group.  Motivated by the effects of the MCO towards households and individuals of B40 income group, and the financial affliction faced by them, the campaign also aimed to bring to attention the various struggles faced by the B40 income group.

The highlight of the campaign was the exclusive interview session with Chairman of Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Kawasan Kampar as well as the former village chief of New Wah Loong Village from 2014 – 2017 Daniel Wa Wai How. He shared his insights regarding the B40 income group, along with a documentary video that showcased an in depth look of the living environment and housing conditions in New Wah Loong Village. Followed after was an interactive Q&A session.  


Students visiting residents at Rumah Transit


Wa (third from right) interviewing residents of New Wah Loong Village
In the quest to promote and inculcate reading among the community, Group 2 organised “Read More, Learn More” campaign on 19 August 2020, via Facebook live. Through this campaign, the students also promoted the relocation of U-Liang Library in Sungai Durian New Village. Moreover, the campaign featured a documentary video of Sungai Durian New Village, U-Liang Library and an interview session with the library personnel to encourage the participants to visit U-Liang Library, especially in the difficult times of Covid-19 pandemic.

“Apart from informing the participants about the relocation of the library, we also want them to learn more about the village and the library. Most importantly, we want the children of the village to inculcate reading habits which will benefit their learning. We also hope to emphasise the importance of reading and lifelong learning, as we too were taught about lifelong learning in UTAR,” said Group 2 Chairperson Ooi Jing Kai. 

Members of Group 2


Murals featured on the wall of U-Liang Library

Group 6, on the other hand, promoted Kampar, through their campaign “Traverse Kampar”, organised from 21 to 22 August 2020, via Facebook live. The aim of the campaign was to share life stories of local businesses affected by the pandemic and the challenges they faced.

“I hail from Malacca and some of my friends come from Kedah and Johor. During the outbreak, we were unable to return to Kampar and we were heartbroken knowing that Kampar was also affected. Although we came from different places, Kampar was the very place where our paths crossed, and being inspired by this, we wanted to promote Kampar, which also became our second home. We want to take this opportunity to inform the public about Kampar’s attractive areas and delicacies to help boosts its local economy,” said Group Chairperson Ti Kai Ming.

He added, “Life stories shared by the local businesses also provided the group data and important insights, including the fact that most of the local business in Kampar relies heavily on students. Therefore, we decided to also use this campaign to provide private sectors and government agencies an insight into the current situation of these local businesses, and hopefully to lend them a helping hand.”

The campaign featured sharing sessions by Deputy Director of the Kinta Tin Mining (Gravel Pump) Museum Jacky Chew. He spoke about the history and culture of Kampar; and I Culture Berhad (I Culture) representatives shared their unique personal views of Kampar.  


Sharing session by Chew


Sharing session by I-Culture Kampar

Police Day: A Stirring Salute to Our Heroes in Blue

by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheah Phaik Kin


Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/people/2020/03/25/police-day-salute-to-our-men-in-blue

A Heart for the Community

Voyage of Discovery and Exposure



Mr. Mohd Yusof Zulkefli is a lecturer at the Department of Public Relations, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar Campus.
2019

PR Awareness Day 2019


PR Awareness Day 2019 Organising Committee (from left): Chin Ying Shin, Eng May Chuen, Aruna Raj Devarajoo, Joginder Kaur,  Liana binti Mat Nayan, Dr Maartandan, FAS Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Dr Noew Hooi San, Norazimah binti Abd Rashid, Pong Kok Shiong, and Clarence  

Faculty of Arts and Social Science’s (FAS) Department of Public Relations (PR) organised its inaugural PR Awareness Day 2019 at Grand Kampar Hotel on 23 October 2019.

Besides promoting UTAR as one of Malaysia’s leading private higher learning institutions offering quality programmes, the PR Awareness Day was also a platform for the academics to foster closer ties with the industry experts, as well as to deepen current students’ understanding on the PR industry’s expectations. 

Officiating the event was UTAR President Ir Prof Dr Ewe Hong Tat. Also present were Keynote Speakers Khoo Khar Khoon from Media Chinese International Limited and Assoc Prof Dr Chang Peng Kee from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng; Department of PR Head Dr S Maartandan Suppiah; and Organising Chairperson Clarence Anthony Puspanathan.

Commending the Department of PR’s initiative in spearheading the PR Awareness Day, Dr Lee also highlighted the objectives of the event in which she emphasised the importance of university-industry collaborations. “UTAR strongly believes that a university needs to collaborate with the industry to build mutually beneficial relationships in line with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015 – 2020. Plenty of benefits can be reaped via such close collaborations such as enhancement of research and innovation through joint research projects; delivery of innovative commercial products; improvements in teaching, learning, and curriculum design; enrichment of students’ knowledge and employability,” she explained, adding that collaborations with the industry allow students to be exposed to real case studies and latest industry insights, thus get training assistance for educational purposes and internship opportunities.

Hoping that all participants will gain a thing or two from the event which is a tribute to university-industry collaboration, Dr Lee also mentioned that UTAR recognises such symbiotic university-industry relationship. “As such, each programme offered in UTAR is anchored to an industry advisor that provides guidance and feedback for continuous quality improvement on curriculum and syllabus design. On top of that, every programme in UTAR also has at least one anchored corporations of which mutually beneficial activities can be conducted together, further helping us in producing graduates who meet the industry’s demands of the industry,” she concluded. 


Dr Lee congratulating the organising committee for spearheading the PR Awareness Day in line with UTAR’s commitment in university-industry collaboration  

Intrigued by the Awareness Day’s activities for being multifaceted with keynote speeches, forums, workshops as well as pitching competitions, Prof Ewe felt that such events are important as the participating students will gain exposure to knowledge and lessons beyond the classrooms. “It’s really impressive to see so many students allocating time to attend and learn from this PR Awareness Day. Since there are so many experts who will be sharing their knowledge and insights, do grab this opportunity and learn from them as much as you can,” he mentioned. 

Also reminding the participants on being on their toes in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the University President said, “The existence of new gadgets, the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and so on are advanced tools which could change the world of PR and Corporate Communication. While it is important in knowing how to utilise them to reach out to a wider group of target audience, it is also essential for us to always go back to the very fundamental human touch – our heart.” He cited the example by Apple Inc’s CEO Tim Cook that the Apple customers prefer owning Apple products not because of the technology or design, but due to the creators’ sensitivity and thoughtfulness in making their products user-friendly. “The way you convey your message must be in the shoes of your target audience. Therefore, for those participating in the pitching competition later, remember that it shouldn’t be solely from your point of view, but should also be from the perspective of the listeners. Have consideration about how they will look and think about your pitching approach and content,” Prof Ewe advised.  


Prof Ewe highlighting the groundbreaking changes brought about by 4IR in different sectors, including strategic communication  

This was followed by the keynote speeches by Khoo, also an Industry Advisor to FAS’s PR programme, whose title was “Embracing Change and Technology in Future PR and Communication Professionals” while Dr Chang’s was “ABC of PR for 4IR”. 


Khoo (left picture) and Dr Chang sharing their wealth of experiences in their capacity as an industry expert and researcher respectively 


Dr Maartandan presenting tokens of appreciation to Khoo (left picture) and Dr Chang (right)  

From left: Clarence, Dr Maartandan, Dr Chang, and Khoo  

Further broadening the participants’ perspectives on the local communication and PR industry was a forum in which the panelists, namely JomRun Sdn Bhd founder-cum-Managing Director Chang Yi Hern, BrandSoul co-founder-cum-brand and PR Specialist Stella Wong, and Companies Commission of Malaysia’s Corporate Branding executive Aizuddin bin Mohamed Abdul Ghani offered their observations, insights, personal success stories, and advice related to strategic communication. 


FAS PR lecturer Paul Gnanaselvam Pakirnathan (most left) moderating the forum on Communication and PR. From right: Aizuddin, Wong, and Chang  

Dr Noew, Clarence, Chang, Wong, and Aizuddin 

Also a platform to instill confidence among students and spur their creativity, the PR Awareness Day also saw over 40 students participating in the Idea Pitching Contest. Participants had to improve or create individual and community engagement plans pertaining to workplace, organisational designs, infrastructure, public health and safety, education, tourism, social or environmental issues in the categories of business, personal capacity, social enterprise, and communication technology.  

The winners list is as follows:

First Place: Alycia Wong Lye Min 

From left: Dr Maartandan, PMC Sdn Bhd Director Dr Supramaniam Krishnasamy, and Lye Min  

Second Place: Gweneth Kok Yi Wen   

From left: Dr Maartandan, Dr Supramaniam, and Kok  

Third Place: Chen Jia Yee   

From left: Dr Maartandan, Dr Supramaniam, and Chen  


From left: Chen, Dr Maartandan, Dr Supramaniam, Lye Min, and Kok  

In line with UTAR’s commitment in producing industry-ready graduates, PR Awareness Day also saw the offering of workshops such as “The Art of Event Planning” by Datum Corporation International Sdn Bhd Corporate Communication Manager Wahi Irwan and “Resume Writing” by UTAR FAS lecturer Joginder Kaur aimed at honing the students’ skillsets before graduating.  


Wahi (left picture) and Joginder interacting with the participants during the workshops
  

Participants listening attentively to the speaker during the workshop  

As one of the participants who benefitted greatly from the line-up of activities, PR final year student Low Shun Jun commented, “It’s refreshing for me to learn about PR in the era of 4IR as well as the requirements of a PR graduate before venturing into the industry. I’d without a doubt join similar events like this in the near future.” 

“The PR Awareness Day provides the opportunity for higher learning institutions to collaborate with experts from the industry. Partnerships of such kind would certainly help provide us with key information pertaining the changes in the industry which in turn helps us, the academics, to make relevant changes to our curriculum, further improving the employability of our PR graduates,” said Organising Chairperson Clarence. 

PR Awareness Day was mainly sponsored by Grand Kampar Hotel. The co-sponsor was Perak Medical Clinic (PMC) Kampar.  


Dr Maartandan (left) presenting a certificate and token of appreciation to Grand Kampar Hotel General Manager Shirllay Cheong (middle) while Clarence (right) looks on  


Dr Maartandan (left) presenting a certificate and token of appreciation to Dr Supramaniam  

Learning on Communication and 4IR

In conjunction with the three-day WOW Kampar 2019 carnival, the 1st Communication and Public Relations Seminar 2019 was held at Grand Kampar Hotel on 31 March 2019.Complementing the carnival’s diverse and enriching activities, the seminar was jointly organised by UTAR Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Department of Public Relations (PR), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and award-winning company ROOTS PR. Themed ‘Moving towards the New Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution’, the inaugural seminar aimed to provide a platform for academics, industry practitioners and students to share knowledge and exchange ideas on recent developments in the fields of communications and public relations in view of the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Kick-starting the seminar were two keynote addresses titled “Managing Crisis Communication in the Fourth Industrial Revolution” by PR external examiner Assoc Prof Dr Amiso George from Texas Christian University, United States; and “Unlocking the Fourth Industrial Revolution for Communication and Media Graduates” by UUM’s Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad.

George delivering their keynote address
Dr Mohd Khairie delivering their keynote address.
Dr Mohd Khairie (right) answering questions raised by the audience

To inculcate student participants with a love for research and to encourage meaningful discussions among participants, a student oral presentation session was also held. The session saw student participants from both UTAR and UUM presenting their research posters and findings within five minutes. UTAR PR student Caroline Gerard emerged victorious when she was presented two awards, namely the Best Poster Award as well as the Best Presenter Award. The other winners of the Best Presenter Award were UTAR PR students Lim Siew Sin and Chen Jia Yee. Also winning the Best Abstract Award were UTAR PR students Tang Soon Keat, Heng Siau Ching, Lee Jing Hua, Lim Wen Jie and Yap Wai Chong.

UTAR PR student H'ng Shu Jie presenting their research finding in the five-minute presentation competition

UTAR PR student Caroline Gerard presenting their research finding in the five-minute presentation competition

FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng (fourth from right) and FAS Department of PR Head S. Maartandan flanked by Best Abstract Award winners (from left) Yap, Tang, Wen Jie, Lee and Heng

FAS Dean Dr Lee Lai Meng (third from right) and FAS Department of PR Head S. Maartandan flanked by Best Presenter Award winners (from left) Chen, Caroline and Siew Sin

Further enriching the participants’ understanding of how communications and PR would evolve in the unprecedented 4IR was a forum in line with the seminar’s theme. Sharing the insights and experiences were IBM Malaysia Brand and Communications Manager Anita Matthews, who believed passionately that public relations practitioners should always strive to do the right thing; Centriq PR Managing Director Jacqueline Arnold who has 20 years of experience in strategic public relations; and Bridges PR & Events Account Director Leonard Heng who related the students’ concerns about their future with the current public relations landscape.
Further enriching the participants’ understanding of how communications and PR would evolve in the unprecedented 4IR was a forum in line with the seminar’s theme. Sharing the insights and experiences were IBM Malaysia Brand and Communications Manager Anita Matthews, who believed passionately that public relations practitioners should always strive to do the right thing; Centriq PR Managing Director Jacqueline Arnold who has 20 years of experience in strategic public relations; and Bridges PR & Events Account Director Leonard Heng who related the students’ concerns about their future with the current public relations landscape.

An added bonus to the seminar was a Public Relations Workshop by ROOTS PR which is also UTAR Department of PR’s anchored corporation. The workshop was a platform to groom students and guide them in doing certain groundwork prior to entering the workforce such as resume writing and skills to answer interview questions.

Students brainstorming and presenting their ideas during the workshop

Second Kampar carnival set to double ‘wow’ effect

The WOW Kampar 2019 organising committee aims to promote Kampar’s history, culture, food and entrepreneurial aspects at the carvival held in conjunction with Kampar’s 10th year as a district in Perak.

https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/03/28/second-kampar-carnival-set-to-double-wow-effect/

RETURNING with more “wow” factors this year, the “WOW Kampar 2019” Carnival will be held at Grand Kampar Hotel, Kampar, Perak, from March 29 to 31.

Jointly organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), the Kampar District and Land Office (PDTKpr), Kampar District Council (MDKpr) and Grand Kampar Hotel, the much-anticipated carnival is also supported by the Perak government and Tourism Perak Management Berhad (Tourism Perak).

A departure from its previous edition in 2017, WOW Kampar 2019 will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kampar being declared as Perak’s district.

According to the WOW Kampar 2019 president Low Shun Jun, besides being a fun-filled carnival catering to people from all walks of life, the carnival is also a platform to promote Kampar as a tourism destination.

“There are many faces of Kampar. Not only is this former tin-mining town rich in history, it is also an education hub housing institutions of higher learning such as Utar and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, as well as international schools such as Westlake International School.

Through this carnival, visitors are able to explore the cultural, culinary and even the entrepreneurial side of this decade-old district in the Kinta Valley,” the public relations student said.

The three-day carnival comprises five major components – Trade Show, Sports and Recreation, Entrepreneurship, Edutainment and Media and Communication Awards 2019 (Mention 2019).

The carnival also features more than 100 activities and 30 programmes, and there are over 100 attractive prizes to be won.

Under the Trade Show component, an exhibition titled “Hello Kampar!” will be held to allow visitors to learn more about the district and how it has developed over the years.

Visitors can find out more information about internet technology, tourism, automobile and lifestyle at the corporate fair “ZOOM Kampar”.

A blood donation drive in collaboration with Ipoh’s Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun will also be held.

The Sports and Recreation component showcases the “WOW Kampar Challenge 2019”, consisting of seven types of obstacles to test one’s physical stamina.

Another family-friendly activity will be the “Petting Zoo” where animal lovers can also adopt a furry friend throughout the carnival’s duration.

Spicing up the carnival will be the WOW Bazaar where visitors will be spoiled for choice by the wide array of food, beverages, household products and healthy lifestyle products made available by the more than 90 vendors and food trucks.

In support of the silver state’s go green initiatives, WOW Kampar 2019 highly encourages visitors to support its “Collection of Recyclable Items Campaign” by recycling unwanted and recyclable items.

Another effort to raise awareness among schoolchildren on the going green concept is the “Paint Your Recycle Bag” programme to motivate them to actively participate in using recycle bags.

In conjunction with the week-long school holidays, drawing and colouring contests under the Edutainment component will be open to children and teenagers.

To introduce Kampar as a former tin-mining town to children, a slot titled “The Tin from Kampar” will be held, further enabling them to have fun while learning about Kampar’s past through several live demonstrations.

There will also be a series of educational workshops for children and teenagers organised by Utar’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science.


Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/03/28/second-kampar-carnival-set-to-double-wow-effect/#Puba5SpY5LToqiDL.99

<旺来啦>新春花市 Prosperous Lunar New Year Fair

Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition)，31 January 2018

Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition), 12 February 2018

China Press (Perak Edition), 12 February 2018

2018

UTAR PR Campaign 2017/2018: Volunteerism vi - Move it Move it!


Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition), 27 April 2018

Grand Launching of PR Campaign: Volunteerism VI


Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition), 2 March 2018

Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition), 7 March 2018

UTAR Triathlon Challenge 2017

Sin Chew Daily (Perak Edition)

China Press (Perak Edition), 27 November 2017