By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Oct 29: The Red Crescent Voluntary Aid Detachment 57 (VAD 57) of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently won several Malaysian Red Crescent Society unit and individual awards for 2018, including awards for Best VAD Unit, Best Commandant and the Society’s coveted Bronze Award.
VAD 57, established in April 2004, was named the Best VAD unit in Sarawak. It is one of Curtin Malaysia’s earliest and most active student organisations and plays an important part in university life, especially in providing first aid support during university events and organising the university’s annual Safety & Health Awareness Week. It also supports the Miri Red Crescent Miri Chapter in its blood donation drives and other community events.
Commandant of VAD 57, Philip Ting Kin Tien, said that the unit is proud to have been awarded the Best VAD Award every year since 2009.
The Best VAD Award recognises VAD units for outstanding contributions and services to the Red Crescent Society, including high achievement in organising courses and training, fund-raising and community projects, meetings and gatherings as well as Red Crescent examinations and competitions. They are also recognised for the outstanding achievements of their members in such examinations and competitions.
According to Ting, VAD 57 was the only student organisation at Curtin Malaysia providing first aid and acts as first responders at the university. As such, it works closely with the university’s security department and campus health and safety officers in the provision of such services.
He added that since VAD 57 was involved with many campus events that required trained personnel who are certified to perform first aid, the detachment planned to increase its numbers to meet the demand. It would also encourage its committee members to take relevant courses that are free for committee members.
Former VAD 57 quartermaster Chang Huen Nep received the 2018 Bronze Award, which is awarded to VAD volunteers who have performed at least one outstanding special project in relation to the Red Crescent ideals. In 2017, he received the Best VAD Leader Award in recognition of his contributions to VAD 57 and his continuing dedication to the Red Crescent programme. VAD 57 has won the Best VAD Leader Award for the last four years.
Meanwhile, former commandant Bryant Ng Wei Liang was awarded the 2018 Best Commandant Award. The Best Commandant Award is awarded to VAD commandants who have made outstanding contributions to their VAD units and the Malaysian Red Crescent.
In congratulating VAD 57 for its outstanding achievements, Curtin Malaysia’s pro vice-chancellor, president and chief executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski, said he hoped to see more student organisations at Curtin Malaysia reaching the high level of dedication and service as VAD 57. He also urged all Curtin Malaysia students to get involved in club activities and make the best of the vibrant student life at the university.
“Involvement in student clubs can be an opportunity to complement their studies, apply knowledge and gain practical experience, establish professional networks, build cultural awareness, and develop valuable leadership and entrepreneurship skills. In today’s highly competitive working environment, students need every advantage they can get to advance and improve their marketability,” said Mienczakowski. — DayakDaily
