Hari Ukir Senyum

Raffles University welcomed 140 children and 20 caretakers from five local welfare organisations to its campus on Saturday, 24 October 2026, for Hari Ukir Senyum, a community outreach initiative that brought students, staff and community partners together through technology, creativity and shared experiences.

Held at the Raffles University Atrium, the event was organised by the University’s Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Club, with students taking an active role in planning activities, preparing materials and engaging with the children. The initiative offered a practical opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and skills beyond the classroom while contributing to the wider community.

The participating organisations were Pusat Jagaan Tenang, Rumah Anak Yatim Shafar, Pusat Kebajikan Puspanesam, Amitabha Foundation Children’s Home, and Pusat Jagaan Anak Yatim Ar Rayyan & Tahfiz Al Insyirah.

The opening ceremony was attended by guest of honour Ahli Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri, Tuan Haji Yusof bin Ahmad, together with Raffles University’s Vice-President, Associate Professor Dr Tan Wee Chuen.

Turning Classroom Knowledge into Hands-On Experiences

Technology was one of the highlights of the morning as students from the Faculty of AI and Robotics introduced the children to interactive demonstrations.

Using motion-sensing cameras, the children discovered how hand movements could be translated into drone controls. The students also introduced an interactive computer game they had developed through programming, allowing the children to engage with technology through play.

These activities gave the University’s AI students an opportunity to demonstrate their technical knowledge in a real-world setting, translating complex concepts into experiences that younger participants could understand and enjoy.

Beyond technology, student facilitators organised creative and environmentally conscious activities, including sand painting inspired by Malaysian batik, colouring sessions and planting activities using recycled plastic bottles.

Traditional games and team-based activities brought the children and student volunteers together, encouraging friendship, teamwork and cultural appreciation through shared experiences.

Throughout the morning, students guided the activities, explained instructions, assisted participants and adapted their approach to suit the children’s different levels of familiarity and confidence.

Working Together Across Disciplines and Student Clubs

Behind the activities was a coordinated effort involving 38 student facilitators and 11 staff members from Raffles University.

Led by the RU CSR Club, the event brought together the RU Dance Club, RU Cogito Ergo Club, RU Media Club and the Faculty of AI and Robotics. Each contributed to different aspects of the programme, from creative activities and technology demonstrations to event coordination and participant engagement.

Student organisers were involved in preparing activity stations, managing materials, supporting registration and coordinating the flow of activities throughout the morning.

Working with staff members and volunteers, they gained practical experience in communication, teamwork, coordination and responding to the needs of participants during a live event.

Corporate volunteers from Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) also joined the University’s students and staff, assisting with activities and spending time with the children.

The collaboration brought together different skills and perspectives, demonstrating how students from various disciplines and backgrounds could contribute towards a shared community initiative.

Connecting with the Community Through Meaningful Experiences

For the children, Hari Ukir Senyum offered a morning of games, creative exploration and opportunities to experience technology in an approachable and enjoyable environment.

For the university students, it was also an opportunity to engage directly with children from different backgrounds, understand their needs and learn how to communicate with patience, care and encouragement.

The event’s name, Hari Ukir Senyum, meaning A Day of Carved Smiles, reflects the intention to create positive memories through simple but meaningful interactions.

According to Dr Logenthini Mariappan, Senior Lecturer, Programme Director and Advisor to the RU CSR Club, the initiative was designed to provide children with opportunities for joy, creativity and discovery while encouraging university students to develop compassion and a greater awareness of their responsibilities towards the community.

Rather than focusing solely on the activities themselves, the experience also allowed students to appreciate the preparation, responsibility and collective effort required to organise a community event.

From developing interactive games and preparing activity materials to guiding children through unfamiliar experiences, students contributed their time, creativity and skills to making the morning possible.

A Shared Commitment to Community Engagement

The event was supported by corporate partners, volunteers and sponsors, including ASM Power Global, RedBus, 木匠 Mujiang Deco Sdn. Bhd., Shuttler Master Badminton Club, Pro Uniform & Gift Sdn Bhd, KB Mart, A1 Ak Koh and HOTALI PRINTING.

Raffles University extends its appreciation to the five participating welfare organisations, guest of honour Tuan Haji Yusof bin Ahmad, Associate Professor Dr Tan Wee Chuen, Dr Logenthini Mariappan, the student organisers, staff, corporate volunteers, partners and sponsors who contributed to the initiative.

While Hari Ukir Senyum was a one-day event, the preparation and collaboration behind it provided students with practical opportunities to exercise initiative, take responsibility and work with others towards a common goal.

Through experiences such as these, Raffles University continues to connect academic learning with practical application and community participation, creating opportunities for students to contribute beyond the classroom.