Girl Power Camp at Sunway Elevates Malaysian Women beyond “Sugar n Spice”

Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Leader of Burma’s democracy movement, and one of the most respected women in the world, was quoted as saying “The education and empowerment of women throughout the world can only result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all”.

Seeking to empower women by promoting a more positive mental state and to help them realize their potential, Sunway University College recently organized a very successful “Girl Power Camp” for 200 teen women aged between 15 and 17 years old.

While most are from the Klang Valley, some came from as far away as Ipoh, Melaka and Bukit Mertajam.

“The objective of the camp is to build up the self-esteem among participants and to raise young women’s awareness of issues relevant to women and the community,” said Ms Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway University College, in her speech at the closing ceremony of the Camp.

The annual Camp is a motivational one by emphasizing the importance of education, endurance and developing confidence.

“Celebrating and capitalizing on femininity along the way is encouraged as with this women may bring about meaningful change upon themselves and eventually the community,” added Ms Lee.

The 2-day, 1-night full board girls only “sleepover” camp was packed with workshops, seminars and most importantly, fun.

Among activities slated in included a talk by Dr Peggy Wong, Charter President of the Kiwanis Club (Bukit Bandaraya Branch), entrepreneur and philanthropist on “What is Real Success in Life?” as well as an Aikido workshop on self-defense strategies and a talk by Ms Chua Chai Ping from Deloitte KassimChan on personal safety and precautions.

Hip activities such as Girl Power Extreme Games for team building and a talent competition helped the young ladies to develop confidence. A special performance by Alif (from 8TV’s “One in a Million” show), self-improvement workshops on hair, skincare, make-up, fashion and an early morning aerobic session were also in the programme.

The highlight of the Camp was an interactive ‘sembang-sembang’ session with a panel of celebrities namely Xandria Ooi, Chelsia Ng, Jo Jo Struys, Jeevan and Nabil who discussed a wide range of issues with the young girls from matters of the heart to everyday life.

You Lynnette of SMK St Mary, 17, had thoroughly enjoyed the Camp and found the programme to be “very inspiring”.

“I managed to pick up a lot of very good tips from the two-day Camp which I am confident will be useful for the next pertinent stage of my life. I had a lot of fun and made some very good friends too,” Lynnette said.

Participants received a “goodie” bag, certificate of participation and a “Girl Power” baby T-shirt each. Teaming up with the Camp this year was corporate partner Seventeen Magazine, Malaysia and skincare & makeup sponsor, Clinique

Community Carnival A Celebration Hit

More than just another birthday celebration, Sunway shared the joyous occasion with the nearby communities as well as the less fortunate.

The 20th Anniversary Community Carnival started off with a momentous Community Run aptly named ‘Passage Through Sunway’ as the route traversed the scenic spots of Bandar Sunway.

The grand occasion was flagged off by Mr. Lee Weng Keng, CEO, Healthcare and Education Division of Sunway Group from the campus foyer at 7.30am. The Carnival was open to the public and the Run alone received more than 370 participants.

Those who had a jolly good time at the Carnival included students from SMK Bandar Sunway’s G.O.L.D. (Generating Opportunities for the Learning Disables) Project, residents of Rumah Ozanam, the University staff and students, residents of the nearby townships, and in-line skating enthusiasts, among others.

Within the Run, a buddy system was practiced where children from G.O.L.D and Rumah Ozanam were paired with friendly Sunway staff, students and alumni to finish the Run together. The aims of the buddy system were to let the participating children foster friendship with others, provide encouragement and an avenue to build their confidence.

Sunway also welcomed home alumni Xandria Ooi, a popular local celebrity and TV host who made a special appearance in support of the event. Xandria stretched and flexed with the children of G.O.L.D and Ruman Ozanam during the “Senamrobik”, a fun mass warm-up exercise with all the Community Run participants, before the thoroughly enjoyable 4KM and 5KM course.

The members of the public also brought their families to Sunway as there were various events during the Carnival that captured the interest of all from crawling babies to senior citizens.

Activities organised include Cutie Crawlers, Junior Dash, Kid’s Hunt, Picasso Sandwich Making Competition, free in-line skating lessons, a family forum on communication, Sumo demonstration, dance performances, exhibitions, lucky draws, game stalls and much more. The programmes spanned from 7.00am to 3.00pm.