In a bid to instill a true Malaysian spirit of celebration and reflecting the values of giving and caring during the holy month of Ramadhan, students and staff from across INTI campuses organized and participated in works of charity to feed and support the needy during this blessed period. In INTI International College Subang (IICS), 16 students organized a Ramadhan celebration titled “Feed Your Soul” for staff and students. The hallways of IICS’s South Block were engulfed with the aromatic fragrances of ‘bubur lambuk’ as the MPU students worked together with staff from INTI’s School of Hospitality to prepare the flavorful traditional Malay porridge as part of the class community service project.
It was akin to a ‘kenduri’ or a get-together as the campus’ staff and students took turns to stir the boiling pots of rice mixed with aromatic spices, condiments and protein, which were cooked right outside Alkira Restaurant, INTI’s training kitchen and restaurant for its Hospitality and Culinary Arts students. Collectively, the team managed to pack 950 containers of ‘bubur lambuk’ out of which 650 containers were distributed to the residents of PPR Lembah Subang 2, a low cost residential apartment managed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan) which houses underprivileged and marginalized communites who are part of the B40 category. The rest of the containers were distributed to staff and students who wished to try it or take it home to break their fast with families.
“I am really proud of the work these students have put in to prepare this meal not only for the residents of PPR Lembah Subang 2 but also for their fellow college mates and staff at INTI. I see this project as a great way of inculcating a love and understanding for other cultures and developing an inclusive spirit among the group of students. Food is always the best way to reach out to people; in fact, it’s truly the Malaysian way and these students have really made us proud with their efforts. I hope the residents of PPR Lembah Subang 2 enjoyed the meal that has been lovingly prepared by our chefs, culinary staff and these passionate students,” shared Dr Jane Lim, Chief Executive of INTI International College Subang who took a turn at mixing the rice pot while it was being prepared.
The team of students, led by their lecturer Punitha Sivanantham, went on to visit a representative of PPR Lembah Subang 2 and went door to door to 280 families distributing the food containers of ‘bubur lambuk’. It was a heartfelt moment as some families eagerly waited for the students to come by their homes to provide the food. The students also took the opportunity to connect with the residents as they distributed the food and wished them well as they observed the holy month of Ramadhan. Proud of the students’ efforts in organizing the event, Punitha gushed about how her students managed to capture the true essence of the month of Ramadhan by sharing from their fill and giving to those in need, regardless of race.
In the same spirit of giving, the student council of INTI International College Kuala Lumpur (IICKL), INTIMA, hosted an Iftar Gathering with over 25 underprivileged children from Perumahan Awam Desa Rajang. Held at the city campus in downtown KL, the event saw children aged between 13 to 17 years join INTIMA council members, INTI staff and international students from IICKL in participating in fun games and activities. It was a fun-filled day for the children which ended with a buffet spread as they broke fast together.
“Beyond having fun and sharing a meal with the children, it was a great exposure for all of us to realize how blessed we are with what we have on a daily basis. It was also a great way for our international friends to participate in a community service activity. We truly had an amazing time with the children and we hope we have inspired them to pursue their dreams and motivated them to set goals and achieve them as they go along,” shared Gideon Yee, President of IICKL’s student council, INTIMA.
Pre-university students from the INTI College Nilai (ICN) also answered the call to serve their communities during Ramadhan, with some 40 INTI students volunteering with Tesco Stores Malaysia to accompany underprivileged children from Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih (SBJK) as part of Tesco’s sponsorship programme. Acting as companions to assist the 155 school children shop for clothing, food and other necessities, each of whom received RM150.00 in sponsorships from the multinational retailer, INTI students set about not only to accompany the children, but to take the opportunity to get to know them and encourage them to strive for a better life, especially by working hard at their studies.
“These children are almost all classified as the urban poor, and many have also experienced living on the streets at a young age. This opportunity to work alongside Tesco has enabled our students not only to give a little of their time back to their community, but has also opened their eyes to the realities of the world around them, as well as to learn to appreciate the opportunities they have. This experience, especially during this holy period, has truly helped our students understand the value of contributing to their societies and that every small act can make the world a better place,” explained Shamala Krishnan, Chief Executive of ICN.
As part of INTI’s curriculum and campus lifestyle, INTI students are actively involved in numerous community focused initiatives. By virtue of these programmes, INTI students gain tremendous opportunities to enhance their knowledge and understanding of social welfare and issues in local communities. Beyond that, they also attain necessary soft skills in planning these activities while developing greater empathy and passion in serving the less fortunate.