MIRI: Over 20 Foundation in Commerce students from the Faculty of Business, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently carried out a community service project at the Miri Home for the Aged as part of the university’s community outreach initiatives aimed at giving back to the local community.
The visit was led by Foundation Commerce Club vice-president Tii Sang How. Accompanying the students were Faculty of Business Department of Foundation Studies head Delon Chai Wei How and lecturer Michelle Phua Siew Huei.
Tii said the visit brought joy to the senior citizens, who thoroughly enjoyed their time with the students, especially when the students showed a willingness to listen to their life stories.
The students spent much of the day cleaning the interiors, windows, drains and walkways of the home, and interacting with the 30 senior citizens, including entertaining them with some English and Chinese songs.
In addition, the students donated daily necessities like toiletries, rice and other food items to the home, which is run by the Miri Chinese Charitable Trust Board.
Chai said the visit was beneficial as it helped cultivate a sense of community and respect for the elderly amongst students.
“Sometimes, even a simple smile can make a difference. The joy in the senior citizens’ faces as a result of our efforts made it all worthwhile. We want our students to not only excel in their studies, but also become caring and empathetic individuals,” he said.
