Build unity through voluntary activities — Lam Thye

GEORGE TOWN: National unity and integration through voluntary activities could be achieved if this had started in school, said Graduates Volunteer Foundation (YSS) chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the involvement of students, particularly undergraduates, in voluntary programmes could produce icons in building a harmonious community and avoid racial tension.

“The National Education Policy clearly contributes to national development which encompasses unity. What is important is that we want the students themselves to value and imbibe the spirit of racial unity by mixing with one another to build friendship in order to create a harmonious environment.”

Lee said this to reporters after the handing- out of awards for excellence in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination 2018, organised by Peninsular College here yesterday.

One hundred students from Penang who obtained 7A’s and above in the SPM last year were feted at the event.

Lee said in producing icons among tertiary student volunteers, the YSS could give them exposure to volunteerism through the training provided in facing the challenges ahead.

“The training given by YSS could also provide opportunities for the participants to participate in voluntary activities within the country or abroad such as in Laos and Cambodia,” he said.

According to Lee, YSS had also taken the initiative to collaborate with voluntary organisations in other countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and more in raising awareness and understanding.

“Among the things to be learned by the YSS volunteers are community development, rendering aid in disasters, providing medical assistance, and creating environmental awareness,” he said. — Bernama