Books collected for an orphanage in the Southern University College drive arranged under a Christmas tree.
Johor varsity students disconnect from their gadgets for face-to-face interactions
TRADING study desks for the outdoors, tertiary students in Skudai, Johor, rolled out their mats for a pilot “booknic” – a unique blend of books and picnicking designed to spark fresh joy for reading.
Southern University College (SUC) mass communications student Be Chi Yee said the event offered her a chance to read books beyond her course.
“I used to read Chinese romance novels but these days, I mostly read material related to my classes.
“Through the programme, I had the chance to explore different types of books and hopefully read more in future,” she said when interviewed by StarMetro.
“It changed how I look at reading. It does not have to be serious or boring.”
The 19-year-old said she also enjoyed the flower-related and DIY activities offered during the event.
Woo says an outdoor setting makes reading more fun.
Anson Woo, also studying mass communications, said the outdoor setting made reading more interesting.
The 20-year-old, who prefers physical books to e-books, said he liked the outdoor reading event because he could talk, eat and spend time with friends.
“It’s a relaxing way to enjoy books and I think it can help students develop a reading habit.
“We are normally so glued to our phones that we forget how enjoyable reading can be.”
Woo was also happy that the event managed to collect 200 to 300 books over two weeks in a book donation drive for an orphanage.
SUC journalism and communication studies department head Lah Wan Yee said the reading picnic was aimed at promoting quality education under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
She said the event was a pilot project for a series of reading picnics to come.
“This was an experiment to see what works and what can be improved,” said Lah.
“The students learned public relations skills not just in the classroom, but through real interaction with the public.
Be relishes the chance to discover different types of books.
“Youths today are addicted to smartphones and social media. In the classroom, they are easily distracted by their phones.
“Here, they can feel the weather, enjoy food together and interact with others face to face.”
Lah also highlighted the importance of reading to nurture curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
“Smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI) tend to spoon-feed information to the user, but books encourage imagination and self-discovery.
“AI is useful, but we should not let ourselves be used by it.”
Event co-organiser, Johor Public Library Corporation (PPAJ) director Ungku Norakmal Ungku Sulaiman said the programme showed that reading could happen anywhere.
“Today, we are not (just) reading inside a building or (while) sitting at a desk, but reading outdoors on mats with friends. It can be done anywhere.”
She hopes the programme will be expanded to the wider community, turning reading into a family leisure activity.
“When children see adults reading, the culture will grow naturally because they have an example to follow and because it is done together,” she noted.
Ungku Norakmal also expressed her appreciation to the Skudai college for its continued support and collaboration organising reading events.
The reading picnic featured nine themed booths, including science, games and DIY activities, promoting interaction and discussion.
