Effort benefits 25 organisations and varsity’s loan fund
LEARNING may begin in the classroom but its impact can reach far beyond the four walls.
For more than 3,000 students of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), classroom learning translated into real community impact when they raised over RM159,000 for 25 charity organisations and the TAR UMT Civic Consciousness & Volunteerism Student Loan Fund.
As part of the varsity’s Civic Consciousness & Volunteerism (CCV) course, the campus-wide fundraising initiatives, conducted over two semesters, brought together students from all faculties, who worked alongside academic staff from the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities to organise activities including a games carnival and charity bazaar on campus.
Speaking at the donation presentation ceremony on Sept 17, TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei said the CCV course has never been about ticking an academic box.
“It asks something braver of our students: to step outside the classroom, notice the struggles of others, and step up to make a difference,” he said.
He added that the students had shown that young people need not wait until they are older, richer or more established to contribute to society.
“What you have accomplished proves that you already hold the tools to transform society – your empathy, your energy and your willingness to show up. The seed of civic values has been planted in you, and this is important for the university in nurturing responsible leaders,” he said, addressing the students.
Reflecting on the fundraising efforts, Lee Wei Bin, a Diploma in E-Marketing student, described his involvement as a meaningful experience.
“I learnt the importance of managing resources carefully and minimising unnecessary costs, knowing that every sen saved could mean more support for those in need.
“Most importantly, it reminded me that everyone has something valuable to contribute when given the opportunity. I hope this experience will inspire more students to take small steps towards building a more inclusive, united and caring community,” he said.
Nurin Ariana Abdul Rahman Emang Anyie, a Diploma in Tourism Management student, said the experience reinforced the belief that every contribution, however small, can make a difference.
“I feel happy and grateful to have contributed to the CCV project and helped the charity organisations.
“Although my role mainly involved cleaning and keeping the area tidy at the booth selling drinks, I realised that every small contribution is important. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, responsibility and helping others in the community,” she said.
The varsity, in a press release, said the initiative embodies its Beyond Education philosophy, which extends learning beyond examinations and qualifications to nurture conscious, compassionate individuals who recognise their responsibility towards the wider community.
“Through hands-on fundraising and community engagement, students are given opportunities to develop qualities such as empathy, perseverance, teamwork and social responsibility – learning that begins in the classroom but extends directly into the community.
“Since the introduction of the CCV course in 2013, TAR UMT students have collectively raised more than RM2mil for those in need, in addition to providing services in kind to the community,” it added.
