(Front row, from left) Chok, Prof Ewe and Malaysia Chinese Cultural Association vice-president Liew Kam Ba with staff and students at the “Story of New Villages” exhibition at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Sungai Long campus.
THE legacy of new villages was highlighted during the “Story of New Villages” exhibition at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Sungai Long campus.
The two-day event was organised by the university’s Soft Skills Competency Department.
In his opening speech, UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat said the varsity started a new village community project in 2009.
The programme was also aimed at helping to nurture socially responsible citizens who will support those in need.
“I am proud to see our university’s contributions to the new village community. This is a testament to our commitment to creating a better future for all.
“New villages are an integral part of the cultural and historical fabric of this country and we are dedicated to promoting this important legacy,” said Prof Ewe.
P Lab chief executive officer and founder Chok Yen Hau gave a keynote speech titled “The Story and Future of New Villages”.
He shared his views on reviving new villages through placemaking.
New villages like Kampung Baru Seri Sungai Pelek have a lot to offer in terms of culture and information about their area. — Filepic
One of the ways included creating local products through marketing and cross-industry cooperation. This would enable the product to become a brand that would be able to sustain both the business and place.
He cited Terrapuri Heritage Village in Terengganu as an example of placemaking that should be emulated.
Cheng Xiang Culture and Tourism director Tseng Chih-Ying, Huang Ying Jen from Global Focus Co Ltd in Japan and Ho Pei-Chun from Zhushan Township in Nantou County, Taiwan, were invited to a dialogue on placemaking with Chok via Zoom.
Tseng explained how old tea farmers in the Caodun village of Wuyishan made short videos to show how tea was produced.
Huang shared how she helped to revitalise the town of Misato in Akita Prefecture by brewing sake while Ho shared his placemaking initiatives in Zhushan, including the problems encountered.
Adrian Wong from Kicap Bentong Sdn Bhd and Edwin Chin from Canton Recipe Ltd also spoke about their experiences.
Wong took over the soy sauce factory from his father and adopted modern management practices.
Prof Ewe (left) and Radzuan exchanging documents during the MoU between UTAR and Kolej Profesional Baitulmal Kuala Lumpur.
Chin introduced the “Kampong Impact” concept and shared how he introduced cooking, glamping, destination events like weddings, night market and environmental education at a Bukit Tinggi new village.
The event also featured a bazaar selling products from new villages including food and beverages as well as accessories.
Separately, UTAR and Kolej Profesional Baitulmal Kuala Lumpur (KPBKL) signed a memorandum of understanding at the Sungai Long campus.
It was signed by Prof Ewe and KPBKL chief executive officer Radzuan Razali, and witnessed by UTAR vice-president for research and development, and commercialisation Prof Dr Faidz Abd Rahman and KPBKL registrar Rokiah Yunus.
Through the MoU, UTAR and KPBKL will work to advance research in Islamic finance and banking, halal industry, business, information and communication technology as well as through joint training programmes.
In addition, the MoU will help KPBKL diploma students pursue undergraduate programmes at UTAR.
Prof Ewe said the MoU was a significant step in UTAR’s efforts to build strong collaborative relationships with institutions around the world.
