PENANG, 28 June 2014 - Students involvement in co-curricular activities especially uniform bodies will help increase their integrity and discipline besides instilling the spirit of volunteerism.

This was stated by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman in his speech at the first national level Baden Powell (BP) and Manikayu Awards presentation ceremony for the Malaysian University Rover Training Group (KLKM) here today.

"We need to educate and ensure that the values in Rukun Negara are well understood and applied in uniform units to maintain, sustain as well as strengthen national harmony," the Vice-Chancellor said.

The opening ceremony and presentation of certificates was conducted by Yang Dipertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato' Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Abbas, witnessed by more than 150 scouts from 20 organisations across the country.

Meanwhile, Omar, who is also the Malaysian Scout Council president, said Malaysia was being chosen as the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) headquarters recently in recognition for the capability and potential of scouts in the country.

BP and Manikayu Awards were conferred to members of KLKM who have completed a course based on the syllabus recognised by the Scout Association of Malaysia and have proven their ability, interest and commitment as scouts.

The best male and female BP Awards went to Mohamad Anwar Tugimen and Lee Hooi Hooi respectively.

“There are about 40 million scouts from 200 countries worldwide, and with that figure, the scout movement can be mobilised as an effective and viable volunteering body," said the Chief Scout of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Paduka Dr Hj Shafie Mohd Salleh.

“All the members who participated stayed in USM for four days and have gone through various scouts practical and skills tests which were evaluated by appointed evaluators," he added. - Translation: Nur Atiqah Dalbadalsa Merican/Text: Nor Rafizah Md. Zain/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa