PENANG, 29 May 2014 – Over the last three days, the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chinese Arts and Cultural Secretariat (SKKT) raised funds from selling cards made from selfie photographs sent to the students’ parents in conjunction with “SKKT Parents Appreciation Day”.

With the funds raised, the secretariat donated the profit and household items to a non-governmental organisation, Penang Children’s Protection Society, which was received by the society’s senior social worker G.S. Suria during the launching of Pesta Tanglung at Dewan Harmoni today.

“The postcards sent to the parents is a gesture of our love for them on Parents Appreciation Day,” said SKKT Secretariat chairman Ooi Chin Teck.

In his speech, Students Affairs and Development Division deputy registrar Tuan Haji Husin Yahaya urged the students to interact more with one another as it is lacking, particularly among Generation Y.

“During my time, students of all races would gather in a common hall to watch television or root for our favourite team in the field,” he said adding that it helped the students to de-stress.

He added that it is in stark contrast to students of today who are too focused on their studies and lacking interpersonal communication.

Pesta Tanglung 2014 chairman Kuah Kok Ern said that the theme for the festival this year is Diverseo Night of Moonlight and would bring fun and joy to all celebrating it.

He said that the festival will involve the USM community, and also students from primary and secondary schools in Penang.

“There will be a tanglung making competition and other activities that are planned for the event on 26 and 27 September 2014,” Kuah announced.

Also present at the launching ceremony were the secretariat’s adviser, Zulkifli Che Hussin, and members. - Text/Photo: Yong Check Yoon