The grounds of WOU’s main campus transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration and excitement, much to the delight of those who turned up at the much-anticipated Family Day on 21 October 2023.
More than 200 people revelled in the carnival-like atmosphere filled with an array of activities that included games, musical performances, magic shows and lucky draws, ensuring a non-stop fun-filled afternoon.
The We!@WOU team spirit was alive and well as the Family Day organising committee pulled out all the stops to create an entertaining and unforgettable gathering. It was heartwarming to see not only the strong bond between colleagues, but also the friendly exchanges in getting to know co-workers’ family members. Some proud WOU-ians even seized the opportunity to show their loved ones around their workplace, which had become a second home!
From toddlers to elderly parents, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Children and adults alike showed off their skills and dexterities at creatively arranged games such as Ring Toss Challenge, Golden Egg Shot, Cat Rip-Tab, Dunker Game, and Teng-Teng Bowling. The magician clown, a crowd favourite, astounded the spectators with his bag of magic tricks and entertained little ones with his amazing balloon-twisting skills.
No event is complete without music, and the audience was serenaded by the melodious sounds from the SMJK Heng Ee Brass Band and the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)’s wind section. Both ensembles presented a captivating performance with their exceptional musicianship and beautiful interpretation of beloved classics. Guests were also treated to a mesmerising dance number by the talented Tiffany Thong.
Visitors also helped themselves to a delectable spread of tasty food that included apom balik, ‘cucur udang’, cut fruits with rojak sauce, cream puffs, fruit tarts, fruit juices and icy treats like cendol and ‘ais kacang’. Those with a sweet tooth could not resist making a beeline for the popcorn and cotton candy machines that brought back fond memories of yesteryear!
The highlight of the Family Day was undoubtedly the lucky draws that offered up to 70 attractive prizes ranging from WOU merchandise to gift vouchers, entry tickets, buffet dinners and electronic devices. Lady luck smiled on Siti Fairos Binti Saffardin from the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences who took home the third prize of a Pritom 4G tablet. The second prize, a soundbox, went to Mohamed Fahim bin Mohamed Zubir from General Services and Administration. Rizal Bin Omardin from Registry was all smiles when his lucky number was drawn for the top prize of a Philips television.
Among those who enjoyed themselves at the Family Day were Chairman of WOU Board of Governors, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon; Chairman of WOU Sdn Bhd, Dato’ Seri Stephen Yeap; PPO Chairperson, Datin Seri Irene Yeap; member of WOU BoG, Ms Janice Yeap; and WOU Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Lily Chan.