The various community projects students undergo during the CCV course.
Ying Mei (front row second from left) with her siblings and friends during a visit to an old folks’ home.
Education is important as the stepping stone to progress in one’s career but values and traits beyond education are vital to sustaining the well-being of society at large. Wong Ying Mei, a graduate of TAR UMT truly understood this via the Civic Consciousness and Volunteerism (CCV) course during her study years at TAR UMT.
“There is this Chinese proverb which states, ‘Receive from the society, give back to the society’ which I could relate to after completing the CCV course. We don't need to be wealthy or hold positions in society to be helpful. Sometimes a simple gesture can make a difference. Helping others is the foundation of happiness. We should believe that the world can become a better place because of the kindness of every individual. Until now, I have continued practising what I have learnt by volunteering my time, energy and donating what I can. On top of this, I also try to encourage my friends and family to join in these efforts,” she said.
Introduced in 2013, the CCV course at TAR UMT helps students learn about their relationship with the community, state and country and what are their civic rights and duties. Students are also exposed to the importance of volunteerism where they are required to complete a volunteer or charity project which benefits certain segments of society as part of their CCV coursework requirement. In the span of 10 years, approximately 50,000 TARCians have been a part of community projects from campaigns on various issues such as the environment, animal welfare, stem cells and organ donation, general health and well-being, helping the underprivileged and caring for the elderly to pre-loved clothes and book donation drives. This also includes fundraising initiatives for various charity organisations.
“What I learnt in the CCV course was informative and has taught me how to be a useful person in the community. The fundraising project in the course has not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but also lit up my desire and will to be active in volunteer and charity work. I am glad that I continued to be active in volunteer work even after graduating from TAR UMT as the experience is not only fulfilling but I know I am investing my efforts for the wellbeing of others,” Ying Mei added further.
Meanwhile, Ling Li Sheng, currently studying at TAR UMT, had just completed the CCV course and shared: “This course deepened my understanding of my potential as a valuable member of society and how I can contribute positively towards its development. I was also reminded that there are so many within our communities who have very little to go by and the only humane thing to do is to extend them our help and support. This valuable lesson made it easier for me and my peers to give our best effort for the fundraising project to help the needy. Although I can say I have done my part for society, I would not stop here. The CCV course has strengthened my desire to be kinder, especially when I encounter the less fortunate, to offer them help instead of shunning them away,” Li Sheng emphasised.
“Ying Mei and Li Sheng’s experiences are what the Beyond Education philosophy of TAR UMT is all about. We are invested in ensuring TARCians not only strengthen their academic knowledge and skills but also have the will to serve and contribute back to society. This is also another way TAR UMT continues to contribute towards nation-building,” Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT concluded.
Since the CCV course was introduced in 2013, TARCians have raised more than RM1.4 million under the fundraising projects, benefiting various charity organisations. In 2023, this initiative went a step further with the launch of the TAR UMT – Civic Consciousness and Volunteerism Student Loan Fund. This student loan fund is the accumulation of a small sum of money that the CCV team has set aside every year for some time. This student loan fund will be used to help underprivileged TAR UMT students who are facing financial constraints.
