Some 3,000 people – 270 teams and over 120 individuals – took part in the fifth edition of Penang Relay for Life which was held at the Youth Park.
The WOU team, led by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Wong Tat Meng, comprised of over 30 staff and friends. They included School of Science and Technology dean Datuk Prof Dr Ho Sinn Chye, Penang Regional Office director K. Manoharan, Corporate Communications director Agnes James, Senior Assistant Registrar Dr. Andy Liew and Senior Accountant Chua Saw Nee.

THE PENANG CHIEF MINISTER GREETS WOU DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR PROF WONG TAT MENG.
The event was organised by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia Penang branch with the support of Penang Hospice Society and Penang Island Municipal Council. WOU was one of the three main sponsors.
The relay kicked off with the lighting of the torch of hope to symbolise the ongoing fight against cancer and the beacon of hope for everyone.
NCSM Penang branch chairman Datuk William Ng Jit Chye said over RM190, 000 in corporate collections was received this year. “There are 4.4 million cancer survivors worldwide. According to the Penang Cancer Registry, the common cancers are breast, lung and colon cancer,” he added

THE WOU TEAM.
Meanwhile Penang Chief Minister of Penang Lim Guan Eng, when launching the event, applauded the cancer survivors for their courage. “I am a survivor, not of cancer, but of other challenges,” he quipped.

CANCER SURVIVORS LEAD THE WALKABOUT.
He told the crowd to “complete the journey you’ve set. Don’t lose hope, don’t lose heart, and always believe in life.” He quoted statistics that indicate that 1 in 7 persons in Malaysia get cancer compared to 1 in 3 in developed nations.
A number of Penang-based schools, educational institutions, hospitals, hotels, the corporate sector and non-governmental organisations participated in the event.