“Culinaire Malaysia in conjunction with Food & Hotel Malaysia (FHM) is held every two years. It is very exciting to see the level of talents in both the Junior and Professional categories. For some of these students, it is the first step into competing with people from other academic institutions and industry practitioners. Our students excelling in these competitions is a true testament to the strength of our programmes,” said Federico Michieletto, Director-Faculty of Culinary Arts.

“Competitions such as Culinaire Malaysia 2019 plays a vital role in the growth of our students. The organisers continually turn up the heat in the kitchen by raising the standards of culinary excellence. It is great to see young chefs doing their best, test their skills, and walk away with a sense of accomplishment. The icing on the cake was being awarded the gold medal like Lew Jan Heong. He took the Diploma in Culinary Arts in 2017 then progressed to Bachelor of Culinary Arts Management (Hons) in May 2019.”

Ng Mei Leng, Dean-Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism adds that “For the Mixology Challenge, both Ivon Soon Shu Wen and David Phoon Zhen Wei were judged on the grooming standards, mise en place, hygiene practices, mocktail name, speed, technical skills, aroma and colour. As part of the rules, the students have to submit the Fische Technique (standard recipe) document, and during the time frame allowed, produce one long drink which can be refreshing, sweet, sour or tropical using local fruits, spices or herbs and one short drink with no more than six (6) ingredients being used which includes drops, dashes and solid ingredients like fruit or spices.”

“Aside from classroom instruction, there is no better way for our students to put their knowledge and skills to the test, than in a competitive format.”

“Many of our alumni go on to lead great careers in culinary arts and the hospitality industry,” remarked Mae Ho, Executive Director/CEO of Berjaya Higher Education.

“At BERJAYA UC, we are committed in mentoring the next generation of talented culinary Arts and Hospitality professionals. These competitions brings out innovative ideas which the students can take to the next level. Not only do they hone their craft but also improve on their soft skills such as communication, deportment and develop self-confidence. Every semester, our students hold an ‘Afternoon Tea’ event which is open to the public. Hence, the ‘After Three’ team had experience on how an afternoon tea event has to be carried out. Competing in Tea & Pastries -Junior Team Food and Beverage Skills Challenge, the students applied their communication and leadership skills, technique & knowledge in pairing the food with beverage. They were judged in food preparation, beverage preparation, table set up, service etiquette and Fische Technique. Teams were judged based on Silver Service – hygiene and cleanliness, crockery, décor and other tableware, staff attitude, efficiency of service and service of tea. I am extremely proud of how our students fared at Culinaire Malaysia 2019 and on receiving the ‘Most Outstanding Team in Catering Services’ which we have previously won in 2013 and 2015. I am also grateful for the commitment and dedication of our lecturers who volunteered as coaches to ensure the students receive the needed support.”

Lew Jan Heong receiving his Gold Medal for Western Cuisine-Lamb category from Chef Gert Klotzke and Chef Otto Weibel

KUALA LUMPUR: On the 17th of September, BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) students representing the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism ventured to Taiwan to defend their title as champions of the MICE Destination Marketing Contest. The students have been working hard for the last few months, having frequent meetings, brainstorming the concept, planning the proposal, fabricating displays and rehearsing their presentation. Long hours on campus became an increasing occurrence. However, their efforts were not in vain. On the 19th of September, BERJAYA UC emerged as the grand champion for the fourth year in a row, scooping first place in the Star of Mice Award, Marketing Plan Award, the Booth Design Award and second place in the English Presentation Award.

The 2019 MICE Destination Marketing Contest is a platform for aspiring students to practise and exercise innovative ideas for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) industry. This contest is hosted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs Bureau of Foreign Trade, Taiwan and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Students are encouraged to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to market their cities. The theme for the contest was “Bidding for Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Global Conference.” Using the concept, “Vitalising Incentives with Dazzling Experiences,” the students presented Langkawi as their marketing destination. Riding on four tracks; ‘Be Authentic,’ ‘Be Dynamic,’ ‘Be Green-Centric,’ and ‘Be Magnetic,’ the team projected Langkawi’s authentic and traditional culture, its rich and diversified environment and unique ecosystem as the perfect location.

BERJAYA UC always inspires students to take the extra step and go the extra mile to become successful. To stand out to future employers, students are prepared to take initiative and explore competitions to expose their hidden talents. As they take their first steps into the working world, they will have amassed a portfolio of prestigious awards that make them much sought-after even before they graduate. Guided by lecturers of the School of Tourism, our students are always critically-aware of global practices, innovations and trends, Students are challenged to go beyond their comfort zone in research and development, planning and design, operational and public speaking skills. Such techniques are central to BERJAYA UC’s curriculum as part of the “BERJAYA Immersion Methodology.” The School of Tourism’s way of implementing this method ensures that exposure to real-world industry practices and professions are prioritized as a key learning method for our students.

“The aim of BERJAYA University College has always been to prepare students for the workforce, and the best way to do that is to use real-world experiences to support their development as tourism and events management professionals. This competition has been the perfect occasion for students to spread their wings and apply what they have learnt in a professional setting. The students were amazing and dazzling in their performances, thus bagging the Top 4 awards out of 7 in the competition,” said Associate Professor Dr. Ng Mei Leng, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism.

Our Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Emeritus Professor Walter Wong, adds, “We at BERJAYA UC encourage our students to aspire to be better versions of themselves every day in every way that they can. Obstacles do not hinder our students, but rather make their strengths shine and turn their weaknesses into learning opportunities. We are very proud of all who took part in the MICE Destination Marketing Contest, and we hope this competition will provide a stepping stone for their future.”

The beautiful designs of our students’ handiwork, inspired by the sights and traditions of Langkawi.

Our proud students emerge victorious as 4-time champions of the MICE Destination Marketing Contest.

KUALA LUMPUR: In Malaysia, food is one of the drawing factors that brings people together. With its unique multicultural society, the food we enjoy today comes from recipes that has been passed through generations.

Ensuring that the Malaysian Food Heritage is treasured, BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) is at the forefront of promoting Malaysia’s culinary masterpieces. Since 2017, the Diploma in Heritage Cuisine (N/811/4/0245) (01/20) (MQA/PA 4914) programme is offered where students learn the fundamental techniques, theories, halal food preparation and cultural influences that has brought these Malaysian culinary masterpieces to the world stage.

BERJAYA UC Director, Faculty of Culinary Arts Federico Michieletto said that “students understand the impact that the cuisine, native to the 13 states of Malaysia, has on the food, hospitality and tourism industries of the country.

“The programme has a range of courses that includes Malaysian Ethnic Cuisine, Menu Planning and Development, Food and Beverage Cost Control, Aseana Cuisine, Heritage Cuisine Research and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development,” added Chef Hasri Bin Hassan, Head of Programme.

“The mixture of locally grown aromatic herbs, spices mixed with homemade pastes and coconut milk evokes memories of our forefathers’ cooking. The demand for Malaysian culinary masterpieces is there, but there are not enough specialists who can impart this artisanal skill. Through this programme, we create documentation of recipes and traditional cooking styles than can be handed down to the students who to become excellent curators of Malaysian heritage cuisine. Whether it is through traditional cooking or re-creating dishes through modern innovation, these are our traditional culinary masterpieces, this is our heritage,” Chef Hasri added.

The Diploma in Heritage Cuisine programme aims to provide students with the necessary skills to not only preserve the cultural traditions of each dish, but to also experiment. In an increasingly-globalised society, Malaysian cuisine in all its forms must adapt to the demands of the modern world, using contemporary techniques. The students will be equipped with these techniques in order to transform them into international culinary experts, while taught to maintain the tradition and historical authenticity of local favourites. While studying at BERJAYA UC, students are also mentored on communication skills, leadership, and teamwork during entrepreneurship challenges.

September intake now in progress. For more information, please visit www.berjaya.edu.my or call (60 3) 2687 7000.

Left: Pot of Earth (corn pudding) Right: Otak-otak with masak lemak gravy

Left: Ayam daun kaduk Right: Quail percik with nasi karabu

As part of this practice, the University College constantly supports our lecturers to explore their boundaries through real world experiences. One great example is Justin Ho Li Vern, Lecturer from the School of Hospitality. As industries evolve, the need to be well-versed in industry trends is essential. For Justin, this means taking part in competitions.

As a keen sommelier and three-time winner of the Malaysia Best Sommelier Championship, Justin frequently participates in contests to challenge his knowledge and creativity in the art of alcoholic beverages. Last year, Justin took part in ASI (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale) Best Sommelier of Asia & Oceania 2018 in Kyoto, Japan. Out of 24 candidates, he was placed third, becoming the first Malaysian to reach the top 3 ranking for this competition.

A couple of months after this, Justin was awarded the Trophée DBR Lafite in the Asia Best Sommelier in French Wine competition in December 2018. ASI holds a competition in an international city every three years. Justin had the opportunity to participate in the Best Sommelier of the World 2019. While he was ranked 42nd out of 66 candidates, his ambition to build a reputation for himself never wavered.

He further developed his skill and knowledge by taking part in the Opihr Gin Global Cocktail Competition, testing his hand in competitive mixology. The competition required at least 35ml of this spiced gin to be used in the cocktail, with no more than five other ingredients, with at least one locally-sourced ingredient. In Justin’s case, he wanted to showcase an essence of Malaysian cuisine by delving into Peranakan flavours. By concocting an asam pedas syrup using the Calamansi lime, the addition of the spiced gin, egg whites and mandarin orange-infused triple sec which resulted in a creation that reflected the Malaysian culture. Inspired by the White Lady cocktail, his creative drink earned him 2nd place in the competition.

When asked about his motivations on becoming a competitive sommelier, he comments that, “Malaysia is well-known for many things: the culture, the multitude of landscapes, even the food – but I want to prove that the beverage industry is alive in Malaysia. As an academic, it is essential that my students have someone to look up to. People are often hesitant to take part in competitions because they might lose, but to me, competitions mean more than that. I’ve met people from all over the world with fascinating experiences and cultural backgrounds that influence how they prepare their drinks. I want my students to keep in mind that it’s not always about the titles and the prestige, but what they can learn from other competitors. It opens their horizons to a multitude of experiences that are out there.”

“Our teaching paradigm of Immersion Methodology has to be relevant to current trends and industry practices. We constantly inspire our lecturers to aspire and competitions are excellent vehicle to gain knowledge, skills and to challenge conventions. It is a great way to transfer real life skills and knowledge and prepare students to be ahead of the pack in today’s dynamic and rapidly changing world,” adds Dr. Ng Mei Leng, Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism.

Lecturer Justin Ho Li Vern

The competition which was aired in TV3, comprised of 8 episodes featuring various challenges: episode 1 highlight the audition process, episode 2 was an egg challenge, episode 3 was a wet market visit – cooking the ingredients the participants have bought, episode 4 was a visit to an agricultural farm to pick and cook vegetables, episode 5 a seafood challenge, episode 6 was using palm oil in an international menu, episode 7 was an interaction between the participants and their family members to cook a family recipe and episode 8 was to compete with the celebrity mentors.

The competition participated by BERJAYA UC first-year culinary student Vincent Chin and third-year culinary student Tunku Puteri Farah Nina Binti Tunku Mohamad Zulkifli, was a fiery battle with other university students in a display of knowledge, skills and passion.

“Even though we didn’t know each other, we had good chemistry with each other. We knew what the other person needed or wanted as we worked without us having to say anything. We had a good work ethic,” remarked Puteri.

Senior Chef Lecturer Vincent Pang adds “BERJAYA UC culinary arts students are given opportunities to take part in various competitions. For Tunku Puteri Farah Nina Binti Tunku Mohamad Zulkifli, her experience in the culinary industry over the years has earned her an impressive portfolio; just last year, she became the 1st Runner Up in the Culinary Competition as part of the Careers@HILTON event. It is her expertise in the competitive culinary field that earned her the ability to take part in the Raja Sawit Cooking Competition.”

For Vincent Chin, as a first-year student, this was his opportunity to create a foundation for future competitions. “We worked well together, fashioning dishes based on traditional meals with a modern twist,” Vincent states.

“Working with two well-known celebrity chefs who were both our mentors and judges was also daunting. They do not mince their words when they gave feedback to us. They were honest, telling us if the food we made was not up to their standards. However, they also explained in detail how we could improve our dishes to make them even better,” said Puteri.

When asked who they would rather have as a mentor, the two differed; Puteri preferred the brutal honesty of Chef Wan, Vincent preferred Chef Yan’s more easy-going yet straight-forward nature. That being said, the two agreed that it was because of the two judges’ strict demands for excellence that they were able to win the competition, noting that their criticisms were not to discourage, but rather to improve their skills.

The accomplishments of our students definitely have earned them national prestige. Chef Federico Michieletto, Director, Faculty of Culinary Arts at BERJAYA UC expressed his pride for the students: “Vincent and Puteri have represented BERJAYA UC wonderfully and with grace. They are living examples that the Berjaya Immersion Methodology is a great way to learn in order to get ahead in the job market. We know we will see a great future ahead for both of them.”

Left to right: Chef Federico Michieletto (Director of Culinary Arts, BERJAYA University College), Vincent Chin, Datuk Redzuawan Ismail (Chef Wan), Madam Mae Ho Seok Khen (Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, BERJAYA Higher Education Sdn. Bhd.), Chef Martin Yan, and Tunku Puteri Farah Nina Binti Tunku Mohamad Zulkifli.

KUALA LUMPUR: On the 26th of July 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Emeritus Professor Walter Wong, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of BERJAYA University College, and Mr. Desmond Law Hoe Yen, Managing Director of Estream Sdn Bhd. This event was officiated by our Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Madam Mae Ho Seok Khen. The MoU marked a joint collaboration between the two companies that would foster growth, not just for the university college as a business, but also for its students.

Estream Sdn Bhd, also known as SQL, specialises in developing software that allows businesses to manage their accounts more efficiently. Through an encrypted service, employers and employees are able to report various financial reports, such as payroll and payslips, with ease and digital safety. In our digitised era, Estream Sdn Bhd’s products are attractive to a technological market.

One might question why BERJAYA University College, a higher education institution, has opted to pursue a collaboration with Estream Sdn Bhd. At BERJAYA UC, aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs are coached on the right skills and knowledge to become an invaluable human resource to the corporate world. Our graduates are highly sought-after, and will have the perfect foundation to become leaders in their chosen fields. BERJAYA UC offers a diverse set of options for prospective students to select from, especially within the BERJAYA Business School. With a number of degree programmes, ranging from Foundation level to a Master’s level, BERJAYA UC is aware of the need to work with companies outside the higher education sphere. The university college utilises a method known as the “BERJAYA Immersion Methodology” in how it educates students. Stepping away from conventional methods of higher education, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, students have access to international businesses; the city has become their classroom.

The signing of the MoU between BERJAYA UC and Estream Sdn Bhd signals an opportunity for students to explore further options for industrial study visits and for potential internship placements. As part of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, students are able to see first-hand how businesses operate. Students studying a Bachelor programme in particular will have the chance to undergo a semester-long internship, providing invaluable guidance that will give them a competitive edge through real-world industry insights. As such, students will enjoy the opportunity to be given first job priority status for work placements around the world, spanning a range of industries. Associate Professor Dr. Cheok Mui Yee argues, “Students studying under a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance will especially benefit from this collaboration. Not only will they have the theoretical knowledge we provide for them, they will have hands-on experience that will make them attractive prospective employees before they graduate. Practical experience in the Accounting and Finance industries will give them good exposure.”

BERJAYA UC looks forward to the work that will be accomplished with Estream Sdn Bhd. Emeritus Professor Walter Wong notes, “We need to shift the emphasis from theory to practice, and encourage innovation and creativity among our young generation today.” By working with Estream Sdn Bhd, students will have a stepping stone into the Accounting and Finance industries, and will foster new skills that will market them as attractive graduates.

Left to right: Associate Professor Dr. Cheok Mui Yee (Dean of BERJAYA Business School), Madam Mae Ho Seok Khen (Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of BERJAYA Higher Education Sdn Bhd), Emeritus Professor Walter Wong (Chief Executive/Vice-Chancellor of BERJAYA University College), Mr. Desmond Law Hoe Yen (Managing Director of Estream Sdn Bhd), Ms. Ong Bee Wei (Education Advisor of Estream Sdn Bhd), Nur Afiqah Binti Mohd Kabri (Lecturer of BERJAYA Business School)

Business & Major Event Challenge 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: Students from the School of Tourism, BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) emerged as winners in the Business & Major Event Challenge 2019 – organised by the Business & Major Events Academic Council of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Beating other finalists in the competition held last June 28, 2019, the team was comprised of students Ong Han Xin, Deeban A/L Saravanan, Moo Xue Yi, and Lee Xin Wei supported by lecturer Mr. Pang Kah Weng.

Students had to conceptualise, conduct a business test and organise an exhibition which showcased the distinctive feature and facilities of Malaysia as the BEST MICE destination. Coming from a variety of programmes offered by the School of Tourism, the students successfully delivered a creative and innovative presentation that won them the opportunity to represent Malaysia in The Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA) Asia MICE Youth Challenge 2019, sponsored by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS).

“The teaching pedagogy often referred to as the BERJAYA Immersion Methodology has played a part in students winning the challenge,” remarks Pang.

“It is part of the pedagogy to expose students to real-world industry practices, so as to prepare them for the challenges they will inevitably face when they enter the workforce. Unlike more conservative modes of teaching, students are given practical experience to support their education. Where once the classroom was simply a room with desks and chairs, at BERJAYA UC, the classroom can be the heart of Malaysia’s commercial city, Kuala Lumpur where students are exposed to real-world practices supporting their development as tourism and events management professionals,” Pang added.

Practical experience is key to the success BERJAYA UC students. As they take their first steps into the working world, they will have already amassed a portfolio, awarding them a prestigious status that makes them much sought-after even before they graduate. Guided by the lecturers of the School of Tourism, our students will always be critically-aware of global practices, innovations and trends, and will have access to valuable contacts when entering the workforce.

This challenge allowed students to apply skills such as public speaking and presentation. In closing, Pang notes, “We are very proud of our students’ achievements. They were poised and had exceptional presentation skills when they showed their proposal to a panel of judges from the events and exhibition industry who were equally impressed with the quality of their work.”

The students will be the Malaysian representative to AFECA Asia MICE Youth Challenge, which will be held in Manila, Philippines on the 10^th of October, 2019.

Our School of Tourism students as they claimed the spotlight as winners of the Business & Major Event Challenge 2019.

KUALA LUMPUR: Outside the film and entertainment industry not many people may know that film star, director, entertainer, actor, comedian and master story-teller, Tan Sri P. Ramlee, was born on 22 March 1929. Students at BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC) must have thought “Why wait another ten years? Let’s celebrate his 90th anniversary right now” and take P. Ramlee into the 21st century.

On Tuesday 9 July students put on a two-hour show paying tribute to the ongoing significance of P. Ramlee. The theme was P. Ramlee’s role as an icon of unity in Malaysia, not only at the height of his career in the 50s and 60s but also now in 2019.

During the opening ceremony, Madam Mae Ho Seok Khen, Executive Director/CEO of BERJAYA UC, put this student-centred learning activity in the context of Malaysia’s multi-ethnicity and nation-building aspirations. As the CEO pointed out, intercultural interaction – as shown in P. Ramlee’s films and evidenced in his collaboration with people from all backgrounds — helps students “to effectively and effortlessly navigate the waters of diversity”.

The roller-coaster afternoon in BUC’s student lounge and lobby included dance performance, songs, a ratu kebaya fashion contest and re-enacted scenes from P. Ramlee films such as Labu dan Labi and Seniman Bujang Lapok. In the run-up to the big day there had been bazaars and film screenings. There were also various student competitions in designing posters on national unity and harmony and drawing P. Ramlee portraits. Many of these were on display during the event day.

The P. Ramlee Memorial Museum (Taman P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur) generously shared information and resources and set up a booth on the day of the event to answer questions about P. Ramlee and also to sell books.

Joining the event was none other than Fairuz Misran, Malaysia’s most famous P. Ramlee lookalike and impersonator. He won the RTM Bintang P. Ramlee 2012 competition and has been bringing P. Ramlee’s songs back to life both on stage and through the media. His special appearance was much appreciated by students, staff and guests. BUC’s dance group provided a lively backdrop for the 1964 hit Bunyi Gitar while for other songs, Fairuz called members of the audience on stage to sing a duet. One of them was the driving force behind the whole event, Normaizura Md Zain, lecturer from the Department of General Studies.
Ms Zura, as she is known, teaches Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) subjects like Hubungan Etnik and Tamadun Islam dan Tamadun Asia. The P. Ramlee tribute event is not only entertainment, it is also an integral part of students’ academic learning outcomes for both courses, and more generally, their personal development and team-working skills. BERJAYA UC is strongly committed to providing all its graduates with the soft skills necessary for employment, personal resilience and a productive and fulfilling life. This commitment was given a boost earlier this year with the establishment of the Department of General Studies in May 2019. The new department puts all self-improvement and development courses under one roof to ensure the quality of what students learn and how they learn it.

Head of Department is Dr Antoon Gewijde H. De Rycker, a Belgian national who has lived and worked in Malaysia’s higher education for the past ten years. In his welcome speech, he observed that soft skills are often hard to acquire and that as educators, we must provide students with a wide range of challenges and opportunities from which they can learn and improve. Dr De Rycker linked the theme of 90 Years’ Tribute P. Ramlee to that of unity within teams, both in college and the workplace. The key to successful team work is finding that unity within the diversity that defines most teams. This can be done, he said, by “building trust, the courage to address and solve team problems, accepting and expecting accountability and an active orientation to getting results”. He highlighted the fact that the P. Ramlee event involved BUC students from academic programmes as diverse as culinary arts, hospitality, hotel management, tourism, events, business, finance and communication.

Unity is not a fuzzy feeling or an abstract idea but an achievement when people from different ethnic, social, occupational and professional backgrounds come together to work towards a common purpose. In the same way, the P. Ramlee event is not an exercise in nostalgia. Event organiser, Normaizura Md Zain, emphasised the relevance of the theme to BERJAYA University College’s interest in, and respect for, heritage and tradition. “The past can be a source of inspiration for creativity and innovation across all the disciplines and programmes that BUC offers”, she said.

In this way, past, present and future become intertwined, which is fitting for an educational institution that is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Fairuz Misran, Malaysia’s most famous P. Ramlee lookalike and impersonator belting out a song while students accompanying him with a dance number.

Fairuz Misran and Ms Zura singing a duet of a P Ramlee song.

Fairuz Misran together with students posing in front of their project.

Madam Mae Ho, Executive Director / CEO, BERJAYA University College.

Head of the Department of General Studies, Dr Antoon Gewijde H. De Rycker.

This type of learning has always been encouraged at BERJAYA University College (BERJAYA UC). Often referred to BERJAYA Immersion Methodology, this pedagogy supports traditional classroom experiences. Recently, students from the School of Tourism took part in the “Proton X70 – Intelligence that Inspires Challenge”. The students worked as a team to come up with a proposal on “How to maintain Proton X70 as lead selling position in SUV market in your city?” The second round was to conduct a community relation activity using Proton X70 as the main platform.

“One of the courses in the School of Tourism is “Team Development Skills”. Working as a team promotes changes in behaviour and enhances students’ motivation,” said Associate Professor Dr. Ng Mei Leng, Dean, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism at BERJAYA UC.

“The challenge is an industry engagement where the students worked in a group to come up with a Marketing proposal. The team were judged based on the creativity, WOW factor, effectiveness of the proposed marketing plan, quality and style of the proposal, “said Mr. Ch’ng Chor Ban, Lecturer.

Ms. Kit Thong, Head of Programme – Events adds “the semi-final of the competition requires the students to come out with a creative Community Relations activity using Proton X70 as a main focus. To achieve their objectives, the students selected Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabled (GOLD) as the benefiting charity and planned the event to be held at the GOLD Centre. GOLD aims to help individuals with learning disability and special needs to be compete in important living and social skills so that they can eventually take up gainful employment.”

The students teamed up with the teens from GOLD to compete for the best decorated Raya-themed hampers. They had fun baking honey cornflakes cookies as well as making Hari Raya greetings cards together. The students found the interaction very meaningful as they get to understand the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities. The teens from GOLD were also given a special treat to go on fun rides in the Proton X70 where they get to experience the unique features of the car.

The founder and Vice Chairperson of GOLD, Pn. Juairiah Hj Johari, Mr Eric Cheng, Branch Manager and Pn. Norzita binti Musa, Assistant Branch Manager of Proton Edar Jalan Chan Sow Lin expressed their appreciation to the students for organising such a meaningful activity for the competition.

“We learnt a lot from this completion as it can be tough to juggle between studies and completing tasks for this competition. But seeing all these happy faces enjoying the fun rides and the activities that we planned made it all worthwhile” said the beaming Ms Jolyn Soh, leader of the team.

Making honey cornflakes cookies together, just in time for Raya celebrations.

The students having a fun time decorating the Raya hampers.

BERJAYA UC students and GOLD teens happily posing with the Proton X70 before their “balik kampung” drive.