As we continue to hear of the loss and devastation experienced by victims of the Tsunami disaster, UCSI’s (University College Sedaya International) role in supporting this cause has become clearer.

As an institution of higher learning in Malaysia, we have undertaken the social responsibility of assisting victims by collecting donations in cash or kind, and by providing an avenue for discussion and discourse to highlight the phenomenon, its horrendous impact and the current situation in devastated areas.

Our recent efforts have focused on helping young Rizal Shahputra, an Acehnese survivor, to build up his confidence and independence after surviving the disaster. Rizal, 20, survived 8 days afloat at sea clinging onto a log.

UCSI has offered Rizal Shahputra a scholarship endorsed by President and Vice Chancellor, Mr. Peter Ng, in the hope of opening new opportunities for him and giving him a better chance at life. After all, Rizal’s whole family in Banda Acheh perished in the great tsunami, leaving him all alone in this world.

According to Vice Chancellor Ng, the scholarship will include free accommodation at UCSI hostel, a free English Language course for 6 months, and subsequently the possibility of continuing his studies to the diploma or degree level, in the field of his choice, upon completion of the English course.

This will depend on whether he meets the academic requirements for our programmes. We are also looking into the possibility of offering him an on-campus job to enable him to earn an allowance for his personal expenses, he said.

This is part of our social responsibility. Whatever we are able to do, we will do to help, even for one person like Rizal Shahputra, so that he can start a fresh new life.

The offer letter was addressed to His Excellency the Ambassador of Indonesia, who is now the custodian of Rizal Shahputra. We hope to hear from His Excellency soon, whether Rizal has accepted our offer.

In light of our concern for the Tsunami victims, UCSI has organized today’s seminar on Tsunami from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UCSI Recital Hall, Block C to provide gripping accounts of real-life experiences by survivors, experts and guest speakers to encourage more involvement from the public.

Guest speakers include Dato’ Elli bin Mohd Tahir, a geologist, a Kedah survivor, Pak Ngah” Idris bin Husin, and Hajjah Maizon bt. Hj. Ayob, Treasurer of International Muslim Women Union who visited Aceh as a relief worker recently. Also with them is Ustaz Mat Saat bin Sa’id, another survivor from Kedah.

Meanwhile, some 500 pairs of Japanese slippers, along with other items, have been purchased for the survivors in Banda Aceh. Guests will have the opportunity to write messages of love or words of encouragement for the people in Aceh.

For more information about this press release, contact Stephen Ng (HP: 012-3347880)