UCSI student getting to know one of the children from the home

Prof. Dr. Zabidah Ismail, from the Faculty of Medical Sciences handing over the donation to Encik Nordin bin Musa from the Yayasan Kebajikan & Perkhidmatan Perubatan Malaysia

Some UCSI students eating with their hands for the first time

Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2008 - UCSI students and staff from different faiths and races came together for the breaking of Ramadhan fast at the Multi-purpose Hall this evening. Fifteen children from Yayasan Kebajikan & Perkhidmatan Perubatan Malaysia (YKPPM) graced the occasion. Seven of them were orphans, while eight others were from poor families. Proceeds from the ticket sales for the event were donated to the children in the form of duit raya (cash gifts). An additional RM400 was also donated to the home. Guardian and representative of YKPPM, Encik Nordin Bin Musa, received the money on behalf of the children. Apart from treating the children to a delicious dinner, the event also became a platform for students and guests to interact and understand each other better.

The successful event was organized by UCSI’s Malay Cultural Club and was attended by more than 200 students and staff members.

The azan or call to prayer at sunset was performed by committee member and A-Levels student, Nik Mohd. Farhan Bin Mohd Ariffin. Everyone broke fast together by eating dates, a dietary habit espoused by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.A.W) because of its energizing value after a long day of going without food. Malay delicacies, such as ayam masak merah, dadih, ulam, and beef in black sauce were the favourites on the menu. The committee members also took care to provide vegetarian dishes for some of their non-Muslim friends. During dinner, the crowd was entertained by nasyeed performances from the organizer. A special performance from the children of YKPPM followed.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Chin Peng Kit and Vice President of Student Affairs, Associate Professor Dr. Lachman Tarachand also attended the event, and joined the buka puasa at sunset. "It is humbling and an honour to be invited to this event, to break fast with all of you." Assoc. Prof Chin Peng Kit said in his speech. He also conveyed his hope for closer ties and understanding among students of different backgrounds and encouraged them to continue giving in the spirit of charity as demonstrated by the Malay Cultural Club members.

A large number of the students were non-Muslim international and Public Service Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam – JPA) students. They were there to experience the breaking of fast, and Malay food for themselves. For some, they experienced eating rice with their hands for the first time, like Daniel Lee, who said, "I've always wanted to try eating with my hands, and I thought this is the perfect opportunity for me to do so," he says. His other Chinese classmates also concurred. "It is certainly different, and for some reason, food tasted better too!"

Two hours before the buka puasa, motivational speaker, Ustaz Lim Jooi Soon gave an enlightening talk on Islam which puts the religion in its proper perspectives through his contemporary and modern approach. He also talked about other interesting current issues which made the multiracial Buka Puasa function not only enjoyable, but also educational.