If there is any slogan that UCSI wants to go by, it is

`UNITED, COMPASSIONATE AND SINCERE INITIATIVE’.

This acronym for University College Sedaya International in Taman Connaught, Cheras, according to UCSI’s Vice President of Research and External Relations, Professor Dr. Norfadzillah bt Hitam reflects the charitable spirit of UCSI students.

We are united in our compassion towards our friends in Aceh, she said. This is a sincere initiative on the part of UCSI as a whole.

A number of efforts have been coordinated to raise awareness about the tsunami and to collect donations for the victims of the recent disaster. Professor Dr. Norfadzillah said that through the efforts of staff, students and Friends of UCSI, the university has managed to raise some RM19,397.41 in cash and kind. Sponsors like Medilaund Sdn Bhd sent a truckload of blankets and other medical apparel worth RM12,500 to UCSI, she said.

We have also purchased some 500 pairs of Japanese slippers. Some of our students have also taken the trouble to write messages of love and encouragement to the Aceh survivors on these slippers.

UCSI, according to Professor Dr. Norfadzillah, will also be sending a team of medical personnel from UCSI’s School of Medicine and School of Nursing to Banda Aceh to relieve other medical relief groups who are already providing medical assistance there. The team is getting ready to go right after the Chinese New Year holidays, she added.

On 27th January 2005, her Research and External Relations office also organized a seminar discussing the cause and effect of the tsunami. Dato’ Elli Mohd Tahir, a geologist, and survivors from Aceh, Rizal Shahputra and Ari Afrizal, and Pak Ngah Idris bin Husin and Ustaz Mat Saat bin Sa’id from Kota Kuala Muda, were invited to recount their tsunami experiences to the audience.

Another speaker was Hajjah Maizon bt. Hj. Ayob, Treasurer of the International Muslim Women Union, who visited Aceh as a relief worker recently.

Among the RM19,397.41 worth of items collected by UCSI staff and students over a two-week stint include the following:

• 44 packs of Baby Napkins
• 10 boxes of biscuits and rice
• 500 pairs of Japanese slippers
• 4 boxes of toiletry, undergarment, sanitary, toothbrush
• 626 pcs (286kg of blankets and medical apparel, courtesy of Medilaund Sdn Bhd
• 146 boxes of mineral water
• 101 pieces of Sejadah (prayer mats)
• 15 pairs of telekung or prayer apparel

All the items donated to the Tsunami Victims will be sent to Banda Aceh, via the Ministry of Defence.