UCTS team goes green for Christmas tree competition
SIBU: A team from University College of Technology Sarawak ( UCTS) on Tuesday pieced together 140 mini ‘ Christmas trees’ made entirely of recycled drinking straws as part of the annual Christmas tree decoration competition organised by Sibu Municipal Council.
UCTS staffer Jacqueline Louis, who is the designer, said the 20-member team utilised a total of 33,750 recycled straws of various colours to create their entry for the competition at Sibu Town Square.
Each ‘ mini tree’ will be combined into a single tree – called Amalgamation Upshot Christmas Tree – to become UCTS’ entry for the competition.
“The splendid Christmas tree is made up of more than a hundred mini knitted Christmas trees weaved from an array of recycled straws.
“The lavish spiralling and knitting elements resemble Sarawak’s unity and harmonious relationship among the multiracial people of Sarawak, their culture and beliefs.
“The spiralling pattern shows a continuous and gradual tightening curve towards the centre, while the tip of the Christmas tree signifies the strength of Sarawak stemming from the strong racial solidarity.
“The emphasis here is on unity,” she said on the concept behind the Amalgamation Upshot Christmas Tree.
Adding on, she said the multicoloured straws reflect the yuletide joy, while the use of recycled material is part of UCTS’ effort to promote a green environment.
Meanwhile, UCTS head of human capital Jimmy De Rozario said the use of light- emitting diode ( LED) to light up the Christmas tree serves to conserve energy to preserve the environment.
The university’s Christmas tree, along with entrants from other organisations, is currently on display at Sibu Town Square until Dec 31.
The result of the competition will be announced during the New Year countdown at the main stage of the square.
The splendid Christmas tree is made up of more than a hundred mini knitted Christmas trees weaved from an array of recycled straws. Jacqueline Louis, UCTS staffer, designer