KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah branch has recorded the second largest participation in Malaysia, under its Love Earth through Society (LEtS2013) programme, yesterday.
A total of 118 students walked around the campus, completed their 1,000 steps as one of activities during the event.
Its rector, Datuk Abdul Kadir Rosline, officiated at the event, which aims to create awareness among university students and the community about the meaning of volunteerism.
The event is held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of UiTM Sabah and International Volunteer Day which is celebrated on December 5 annually.
“LEtS is a syllabus in the Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management, but the campus has decided to celebrate the event under the campus’ programme as it will spread positive awareness among UiTM students.
“UiTM wants its students to participate in various programmes which engage environment and volunteerism in order to assist the students to learn and face the real world after graduating. It is the time for the students to learn how to organize events and make mistakes so that they can improve themselves,” he said.
Throughout the programme, students were encouraged to participate in various activities such as the Sabah State Health Department’s blood campaign.
In line with the Sabah branch’s recognition as a litter-free university, the event also encourages and reminds students and university staff on the importance of a dirt-free environment. With this in mind, the organizing team of LEtS2013 also initiated the planning and implementing of LEtS2013 as a ‘green event’ where materials and resources for decorating the venue and surroundings used recyclable materials.
During the event, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Sabah Association of Voluntary Efforts (SAVE) and 1Malaysia For Youth (iM4U) took the opportunity to promote their programmes to the students.
Also present at the event was president of SAVE, Eva Susau.
During the closing ceremony, Abdul Kadir also launched a coffee table book entitled “Mengubah Destinasi Anak Bangsa” by UiTM students, which will be published next year.