By Ong Ai Jia
GEORGE TOWN: In times where scarcity of essential protection kit against the Covid-19 pandemic is in a muddle, Smart Education Group (SEG) has come forward to donate 300 pieces of face masks to Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC).
Covid-19 has crept all around the world proving itself as a hazardous threat to human survival on the magnitude scale. Regrettably, the second-wave of the outbreak in Malaysia has caused an unforeseen hike in the number of positive cases. As of the time this article is written, the total tally according to the Health Ministry (as of 5 April 2020) was 3,662 cases.
The seriousness of the pandemic has resulted in SEG stepping up to produce surgical masks. Concerned about the insufficiency of masks available in Malaysia, they immediately contacted Dr. Yang Jie, the Head of International Office of HCUC to render their support in replenishing the stock at the university college.
The masks were shipped out from Guangdong, China and delivered to Dr. Yang Jie on March 25, 2020. Despite the regulations implemented by the Chinese Government in terms of the quantity of masks to be exported, SEG did its best to send 300 pieces of masks to HCUC.
“I was touched by SEG’s contribution. SEG is an important bridge between HCUC and China’s higher institutions in which we have always been responsible to help each other in times of need. During the massive outbreak of Covid-19 in China, HCUC also contacted SEG to offer our words of encouragement to overcome the pandemic. The mutual sympathy between HCUC and SEG also shows the good relationship we have,” said HCUC Vice Chancellor, Dr. Beh Kok Hooi.
According to Dr. Beh, these masks will be distributed to all staff and students of HCUC when the semester starts. In addition, the institution has also ordered masks and hand sanitizers so that everyone in HCUC would comply to the established protection guideline by the Ministry of Health. Other than that, HCUC also welcomes the opinions of students to overcome the collateral damages caused by Covid-19 around the world.
“In addition to this, I also hope that all our staff and students wash their hands frequently and take care of their personal hygiene. All of us must obey the Movement Control Order (MCO) and stay at home safely, in order to break the chain of infection. MCO does not mean a holiday for us. I hope both lecturers and students will continue to improve themselves while they are at home, so that they can cope with the progression when HCUC reopens,” said Dr Beh Kok Hooi.
He said Covid-19 has forced HCUC to adopt online teaching and learning from April 27, 2020.
The university college has arranged an online survey to understand students’ readiness in adopting e-learning and to help out in anyway so that their learning would not be hampered in this difficult situation. This will also keep all the stakeholders informed and ensure a smooth transition into an online based teaching and learning process.
“I believe that Covid -19 has slowed the pace of our lives. The MCO which was imposed by our
government, allows us to spend quality time with our loved ones and at the same time reduce
pollution. I hope that everyone understands the importance of conserving natural ecology through this coronavirus pandemic and do our best to appreciate our mother earth,” added Dr. Beh Kok Hooi.
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