The We Want No Plastic Project, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign led by 63 final-year Public Relations students from UTAR, successfully raised and donated RM3,858 to UTAR Hospital. The symbolic mock cheque presentation took place during the first session of the 40th UTAR Convocation Ceremony on 11 April 2025, highlighting the graduates’ commitment to sustainability and social impact as they graduate and step into their professional careers.

The project aimed to raise awareness about microplastic pollution, advocate the reduction of single-use plastics, and promote healthier and eco-friendly lifestyles. The donation to UTAR Hospital not only supports the institution’s sustainability efforts but is also reflected the theme “From Grads to Future Greats”, symbolising both the students’ academic milestones and their commitment to social responsibility as members of the younger generation.

The remarkable success of this project is a testament to the hands-on, industry-relevant learning embedded within UTAR’s Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Public Relations programme under UTAR’s Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS). Designed to equip students with essential communication, planning, and media management skills, the programme nurtures socially conscious professionals, who can lead purposeful campaigns and connect meaningfully with diverse audiences.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat recognised the students’ remarkable achievements in securing UTAR’s first-ever Gold Award at the MPRA 2024. He expressed his gratitude for their meaningful contribution while receiving the mock cheque, and extended his best wishes to all graduates for a bright and successful future.

Project Advisor cum FAS academic Dr Diong Fong Wei, who also graduated with a PhD during UTAR’s 40th Convocation, shared her gratitude and words of encouragement, “My heartfelt thanks go to all our sponsors and collaborators for their generous support and, most importantly, to the students for their dedication and perseverance. I have always believed that this isn’t just a class project, but a meaningful life experience. The amount may seem small to many, but I believe it is the sincerity that truly matters. UTAR has always supported not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of its students.”

Project Director, Year Three Public Relations student Ms Chen Zhi Shan expressed, “We are truly grateful to our advisor for providing us with the guidance and freedom to develop creatively. From June to September 2024, our team successfully carried out 10 diverse events. While executing this project, we were aware of the potential health risks posed by microplastics. This motivated us to drive the project forward. We hope that our efforts will not only impact the campus community but also raise broader awareness among the public.”

She further added, “The project has provided us with valuable insights and practical exposure that will stay with us long after graduation. The funds we raised came from our fundraising efforts and generous community sponsorships. As the Chinese saying goes, ‘取之社会，用于社会’, which means that what we take from society should be given back for the benefit of society. After much discussion, our team agreed to donate the amount to UTAR Hospital as a gesture of gratitude to our alma mater and as a way to give back to the wider community that has continuously supported our journey. Although the project concluded last year, we hope its message and impact will continue to inspire sustainable and health-conscious behaviours, while fostering more acts of kindness and civic responsibility across all levels of society.”

These experiences are a reflection of the real-world focus of the Public Relations programme offered under UTAR’s FAS. The programme encourages experiential learning through client-based campaigns, PR consultancy simulations, strategic social media campaign, and CSR initiatives, empowers students with vital skills in writing, strategic storytelling, multimedia content creation, crisis communication, and digital engagement, preparing them to thrive in diverse career pathways in public relations, corporate communication, brand storytelling, social media management, and content creation, positioning them at the forefront of a rapidly transforming industry.

Another member of the project, Mr Lui Kai Jian, who also graduated in UTAR’s 40th Convocation, stated, “This was a valuable opportunity for us to put into practice what we have learned over the past three years. We discovered the gap between theory and real-life application, which helped to strengthen our communication, planning, and problem-solving skills. I believe it marks the beginning of our professional journey and will motivate us to keep improving and pushing boundaries in our future careers.”

Project Director of We Want No Plastic Project, Chen (fifth from right), along with team representatives, presenting a mock cheque to UTAR Hospital. The mock cheque was received on behalf of the hospital by Prof Dato’ Ewe (sixth from left) and UTAR Vice President Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong (seventh from the left). Standing fourth from right is project advisor Dr Diong.

UTAR offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in areas including Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Arts, Chinese Studies, Malaysia Studies, Business and Economics, Biotechnology, Engineering and Build Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, Media and Journalism, Education and General Studies, and Agriculture and Food Science.

The university also engages in the provision and conduct of research, consultation, management and leadership training, and other related educational services at its Sungai Long and Kampar campuses in Malaysia.

For more information, visit www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468 8888 (Kampar Campus), 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).