Inspired by the success of their recent Chinese New Year corporate social responsibility (CSR) project at INTI International College Subang (IICS), the INTI Centre of Art & Design (ICAD) chose to honour the community through their artwork.
The Limited Edition Smooth Sailing Dragon Print, launched by Creative Co., a dynamic ICAD platform promoting students’ and lecturers’ creativity, celebrates the Chinese New Year’s artistic legacy and cultural background. Collaborating with Malaysian calligraphy artist and ICAD lecturer Tee Ying Jie, the products gained a distinctive and authentic touch. The main goal was to raise money for a worthy cause while producing limited-edition handcrafted artworks expressing pleasure, happiness, and good health.
The INTI Center of Art & Design (ICAD) presented a wheelchair and the Limited Edition Smooth Sailing Dragon Print as part of the Chinese New Year Special Edition Merchandise to Care for Malaysia Welfare Centre.
Their efforts paid off, as they generated enough money to provide four wheelchairs to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and assisted living facilities. On 21 June, Dr Jane Lim, Chief Executive of IICS, Ang Tong Yin, Dean of ICAD, lecturers, and students visited four homes in Petaling Jaya, providing much-needed support and care to the elderly residents.
Dr Jane Lim, Chief Executive of INTI International College Subang, along with Ang Tong Yin, Dean of INTI Center of Art & Design, joined the project team to deliver a wheelchair and the Limited-Edition Smooth Sailing Dragon Print to Yi Xing USJ Old Folks Home.
The Care for Malaysia Welfare Centre has been in operation for over a year and provides care for individuals of all ages, including those with disabilities. Some residents are adopted, and the centre is entirely self-funded, covering expenses for essentials such as diapers, food, and medication. Daily activities at the centre include gardening and crafts, and it accommodates nonverbal residents. Due to recent hardships, the centre urgently needs monetary and grocery donations to continue caring for the elderly.
The PJ Caring Home Operation Manager, Mr Peru, spoke about the stigma surrounding sending loved ones to home care providers. He remarked, “We shouldn’t view it negatively or see it as a failure to care for them. People may be busy with their children or work, and you cannot leave your parents alone at home.”
Mr Peru, Operations Manager of PJ Caring Home, received a wheelchair and the Limited-Edition Smooth Sailing Dragon Print at one of the caring homes.
“It’s different if they are simply elderly, but if they have dementia or other mental health issues, they could harm themselves or damage the house. Allowing experienced professionals to care for them safely and healthily is not bad. For us Asians, who often worry about how others perceive us, this should not be an issue,” he said.
The Lovely Nursing Center, founded in 1999, began its operations by selling fresh flowers to support its activities. The centre houses 60 residents and is undergoing renovations to improve its accommodations. It actively encourages public involvement in activities with its residents, who primarily consist of individuals referred by the police after being abandoned.
“At INTI, we are committed to CSR through charity projects, educational enhancement, and student skill development. By focusing on sustainable initiatives, we collaborate with government ministries, NGOs, social enterprises, and foundations from reputable companies to ensure a broad impact.”
“Moreover, our alumni actively contribute, leveraging their experience and networks. We equip students with essential employability skills, fostering a new generation of socially responsible leaders. Our faculty and students are encouraged to participate in meaningful CSR events to help the less fortunate, aiming to create lasting positive change and significant social and environmental benefits, highlighting our dedication to CSR,” said Dr Jane.
Project leader and ICAD lecturer Suet Lin Goh of ICAD said, “We are satisfied with the outcome of our donation. Delivering wheelchairs to four different charity homes and non-profit organisations was a fulfilling experience, and seeing the positive impact on the residents reinforced the value of our efforts. However, we believe there is always room to do more. We are committed to supporting charitable causes and exploring additional ways to contribute to the community’s well-being.”
The project team delivered the wheelchair and the Limited-Edition Smooth Sailing Dragon Print to Lovely Nursing Centre.
Tong Yin hopes their activities assist the community through art, fostering creativity and addressing societal challenges. She said, “The impact of design on the community extends beyond aesthetics and functionality. Over the years, we have integrated design into community development by proposing solutions for small businesses in SS15, enhancing the quality of life for diverse social needs and ensuring inclusivity. ICAD will continue to show the tangible benefits young creatives bring by integrating design into everyday life.”
The INTI Center of Art & Design (ICAD) team unpacking the wheelchair.
The four charity homes depend entirely on fees, support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and public donations, as they do not receive government funding. Their common goal is to maintain and offer a home and shelter to those in need. This ongoing commitment ensures that INTI remains a source of positive change, inspiring others to contribute to the improvement of society.