After days of heavy downpour, the clear skies and cool breeze were a pleasant welcome to WOU’s inaugural Family Day celebrations at the main campus. Over 150 staff based at the main campus and their families turned up for the casual affair of alfresco dining by the sea and fun with games.
Following the arrival of WOU Chancellor Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, guests took their seats as organising chairperson Shirley Khoo Suan Gaik gave a short welcome speech.
The event was jointly officiated by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Wong Tat Meng and WEF chairman Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap Leong Huat, who opened a durian each to the applause of those present.
TUN LIM (CENTRE) FLANKED BY PROF WONG AND DATO’ SERI STEPHEN YEAP (RIGHT).
Earlier in his speech, Prof Wong said the occasion marked the first of many more Family Days to come, and invited everyone to relax and let their hair down. He also took the opportunity to invite staff to show their family members their workstations.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of grilled seafood, chicken, corn on the cob, fried rice, assorted snacks, desserts and tropical fruits like durians, rambutans and langsat.
The durian opening challenge drew eight participants including Prof Wong and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Operations) Dr Seah Soo Aun. Dr Seah emerged the victor, achieving the amazing feat of opening five durians in the fastest time of 80 seconds (wow!) followed by School of Science and Technology lecturer Chandarasageran Natarajan who took 85 seconds.
WOU REGISTRAR YEONG SIK KHEONG (FOREGROUND, RIGHT) AND DR SEAH (CENTRE) PRY OPEN THE DURIANS.
The evening continued with non-stop games such as the spoon race which saw participants racing with each other whilst balancing a ping pong ball on a spoon, balloon bursting contest, and a game for kids to ‘do the opposite’ action of what was called out by the game master.
SCHOOL OF FOUNDATION & LIBERAL STUDIES SENIOR LECTURER JASMINE EMMANUEL (BACK, IN BLUE T-SHIRT) CONDUCTS THE GAME.
Adding a carnival-like atmosphere to the evening were two clowns who created balloon animals and shapes, much to the delight of kids and adults alike.
Just as everyone thought the fun had ended, the organisers arranged a dance competition, aptly called Free Style Dancing. It was hilarious watching the participants come up with their own dance moves and zany antics to the medley of songs played. The winners were determined by the most number of stickers placed on themselves by the audience. It was a close fight between Quality Assurance manager Dr Andy Liew who collected 34 stickers and School of Business and Administration’s Shangetha Silvamony who won the contest with 37 stickers. Prof Wong’s son, Wong Wai Loong, won third prize.
DR ANDY (BLUE T-SHIRT), SHANGETHA (BLACK CAP) AND WAI LOONG (RIGHT) SHOW THEIR MOVES.
The evening culminated with the Fatt Fatt lucky draw offering four ang pow cash prizes. The 4th prize of RM88 went to Mohd Mukhyiddin Mohd Salleh of General Services and Administration (GSA), while Sandana Dass (GSA)’s daughter-in-law Browenna won the 3rd prize worth RM188. Lady luck continued to smile on GSA when Teh Cheang Ghee’s daughter Teh Sher Lynn had her number drawn for the 2nd prize of RM288. The grand prize of RM388 went to Hazel Lim, Charlene Lim (GSA)’s sister.
Also present at the event, organised by WOU’s Human Resources Department and the Staff Recreational Club, were WEF Director and CEO of Heng Lee Group Loo Choo Teng, his wife Peggy and son Brian.
