By Wilson Ong
Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association Malaysia (Tzu Ching) to establish the Tzu Ching association in HCUC, to promote a charitable spirit among the students.
Being the first university college in Penang to establish Tzu Ching, the association, which is opened to all HCUC students, focuses on charity causes, community volunteerism and environmental protection efforts.
HCUC vice chancellor Dr Beh Kok Hooi, said the connection with Tzu Chi has long been established as HCUC has been sending students to undergo internship programmes with Tzu Chi for a deeper understanding of the association’s operations.
“The relationship between HCUC and Tzu Chi was further strengthened in the aftermath of the massive floods that hit Penang on November 5, 2017 when Tzu Chi volunteers helped to clean up the affected areas around the campus.
“The dedication of the Tzu Chi volunteers in taking initiatives to continuously render assistance to the community is a spirit that we would like to instill in our HCUC students,” he said.
Based on the MoU, each member will be a qualified ‘Tzu Ching’, after having at least participated in a Tzu Ching Experience Camp, two recycling activities, two volunteer events at Tzu Chi and any two campus activities organised by the association.
Malaysia Buddhist Tzu Chi Youth Association Leader, Phoong Chaih Hsia, said Tzu Chi would normally organise three Tzu Ching Experience Camps annually and this has been going on for more than 20 years.
“Tzu Ching camps gather young people together to work towards self-improvement and morality, which we hope can be fostered among the students with the establishment of this society,” she said.
Members of Tzu Ching are required to dress neatly during each activity, either in Tzu Ching uniform or white shirt (collared and short sleeves) with white or blue long pants. Only vegetarian food will be served during the activities.
Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia will also act as an advisor and provide training in organising activities for Tzu Ching.