About UKEConnect

 

 
Connecting with the student population at large is the main mission of the UKEC this term. We are working towards bringing more smaller scale events to areas outside London such as Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester and Dublin. The events will discuss national unity matters through public forums, movie presentations and literary discussions. Apart from the attempt to connect with the students, we are also aiming to get them involved with what we do! The National Unity Development and Regional Affairs committee which heads the UKEConnect campaign will also work with the Secretary's committee in hosting our general meetings where motion debates take place and policy issues are discussed.

 

 

UKEC North East Forum “The Prospect of Political Change in Malaysia” 

Date: 4th November 2009

Time: 5.00p.m.-6.30p.m

Venue: University of Newcastle

 

The forum themed “The Prospect of Political Change in Malaysia” is being organised in collaboration by the Regional Chair of UKEC North East, Nicholas Pang, Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, a fellow of the Malaysian Think Tank currently working in Sunderland Royal Hospital, and Balai Malaysia Newcastle (BMN), the postgraduate association in Newcastle.

Two prominent speakers were invited to speak at the event. They are YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; Seri Setia State Assemblyman in Selangor and Ustaz Maszlee Malik who is currently pursuing his PhD in Durham University. The event started off with an introduction of speakers by Dr Helmy Haja Mydin. The speakers were then invited to give their views regarding the political prospect in Malaysia. There was a lively discussion on the issue as many participants are concern about the political issues back home.

The eager and intrigued participants posed various thought-provoking questions to both the speakers during the question and answer session. The forum finally ended at 6.30pm, but many remained for an informal discussion over dinner.

 

 

UKEC South West Gathering

Date: 31st January 2010

Time: 11.10a.m - 12.30p.m

Venue: The Great Hall of MSD

 

The meeting was chaired by the Regional Chairman of the South West region, Hafiz Abdullah from the University College Plymouth St Mark & St John.  Aimed to establish formal ties amongst the South West Malaysian societies and also to allow the central committee to view first-hand the situation on the ground regarding the Malaysian Societies of the South West, the meeting started at 11.10am and was attended by representatives from universities within the South West region, namely: University of West England, University of Exeter and University College Plymouth St Mark & St John. The meeting

It started off with an ice breaking session echoed by introduction of each society by its representative. The meeting then went on to discuss on the current and future events of the Malaysian Society. Other than that, the main objectives on the existence of Malaysian societies all around the UK and Ireland were also being emphasized. The meeting was concluded with everyone agreeing with the importance of good network and all of them look forward to future collaboration.

 

 

UKEC North East Forum “ A Colour Blind Malaysia”

Date: 7th February 2010

Time: 6.00 – 8.00 p.m.

Venue: University of Newcastle

This forum themed ‘A Colour Blind Malaysia’ is geared to giving a unique chance to students themselves to speak out on issues dear to our hearts. Too frequently, we have "top leaders" and "higher-ups" giving us speeches on "how things should be", but as we well know, it's always far more fascinating and relevant to hear someone of our own age group speaking out on issues.

For this forum, there was a panel featuring a broad cross section of Malaysian society, from the bright lights and urbanity of KL to the rural backwaters of Sabah, and guided by the expert hand of the moderator, Safwan. The forum explored the issues and themes that affect us, as young people, as we will be handed the reins of power ourselves by our elders when we go home to serve. Racial integration in Malaysia is one of the main topics of discussion during the forum.

The forum is unique as it was conducted fully in Malay. Too often we have neglected our own national language, scoffing at it in favour of English. However, the harsh reality is that, unless we begin conducting our intellectual discourse in Malay, and unless we as a nation master a common language, we will continue to be divided on fundamental issues if we cannot even speak to each other. This is a baby step in the direction of a growing Malay intelligentsia movement, participated by about 50 Malaysian students in the North East region.

All participants present were motivated to hear the fresh voices of our own youth, sharing what we have learnt from our UK experience, and our dreams and visions for a Malaysia, colour blind. Individual’s private dreams and visions for our own country echoed on stage that Sunday night! On a whole, the event was a great success.

 

 

UKEC North-West Regional Football Friendly Match

Date: 7th March 2010

Time: 12p.m.-2.30p.m.

Venue: University of Lancaster

 

A friendly football match was hosted at University of Lancaster on the 7th of March 2010. A match started from 12pm to 2.30 pm. The participating team were from Lancaster University and Manchester University. The event aimed to foster unity and friendship between the Malaysian students in the North West region and also to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship amongst students.

The whole event proceeded smoothly and there were no untoward event. All participants hope that there will be more similar events in the future which will bring together Malaysian students in the region.

 

 

UKEC Amazing Race: London Edition

 

 

Date: 13th March 2010

Time: 8.00 a.m.-6.00p.m.

Venue: Central London

 

UKEC’s Amazing Race: London Edition was the first step that was taken by us to widen UKEC’s activities from not merely career-based and intellectual events but also to encompass more social activities with Malaysian students around the UK. The idea was first mooted by Supreme Councillors around London during a regional meeting and was later helmed by UKEC’s London Regional Chairman in collaboration with the UKEC Connect and UKEC Cares divisions.

 

The event begun at 9.15 am on the 13th of March with a short briefing and breakfast for all the participants as well as distribution of participant t-shirts. This was then followed with the flag-off by our guest of honour YB Dato’ Seri Mustapha Mohamed. The participants went on a gruelling race around central London; followed by our volunteers and media team at certain points before arriving back at the Malaysian Students Department. They were compelled to undergo certain activities which they might not usually undertake such as busking, boat-paddling and teaching locals how to sing our national anthem.

 Overall, despite a few mishaps throughout the day, the event can only be classified as a success as not only did it give the participants the chance to go out and have fun but it also opened up UKEC to students who had previously not been too interested in the events it organised. The event has now been placed in good stead to become an annual event and a tradition of UKEC.

 

 

Flag off ceremony by YB Dato Seri Mustapha Muhamed.