Sunway College’s FIA Students Unleashed their Creativity

28 groups of Foundation in Arts (FIA) students unleashed their creativity over two days of exhibition at Sunway College to create awareness among their peers of what our society has become.

Themed “Consumerism and Human Rights Awareness”, the students decorated their booths, invited and persuaded the public to sign their respective mock petitions based on various topics as part of their assignment to educate the public on human rights to reduce the impact of consumerism for a better world. Their exhibition encompassed issues of recycling used items, privacy rights, children’s education rights, human trafficking and child labour through the use of posters, handmade recycled products, videos and props.

From left: Chia Tze Win, Lee Con Mei, Tan Shan Shan, Teoh Zing Yeat and Khor Han Cen

A group calling themselves “Trashformers” comprising of Melissa Jeena Roch, Ann Marie Daphene Phillips, Crystal Lee Guat ER, Ian Kok Kye Xuen, Ruburn Raju and Ali Nasser showcased their handmade recycled products such as bracelets made from plastic bags; bangles, vase and decorative accessories made from plastic bottles. Asides from learning new DIY skills, the group learnt the impact of consumerism. “It takes a plastic water bottle at least 450 years to decompose or bio-degrade. So we must learn to reduce our waste by recycling unwanted items, which will help preserve our environment,” said Melissa.

From left: Kenneth Suthan Kee, Ng Weng Tat, Seek Chan Seng (white t-shirt), Darryl Tan Khuan Shung (in chains), Ong Ze Ming (in cage), Goh Yit Chin

Ma Xiang Long, Lim Mei Qi, Low Chi Lam, Kam Yoke Kwan, Liew Jia Yee and Yong Sze Kay in a group approached consumerism in a different way. They simulated their concept of “Our Future World” in a box with dim lights, smoke and dreadful images of garbage and wars. Visitors could stick their heads in the box through a hole to experience this. Through their simulation, they hope visitors will learn to stop exploiting consumerism to avoid such a future.

From left: Ma Xiang Long, Lim Mei Qi, Low Chi Lam, Kam Yoke Kwan, Liew Jia Yee & Yong Sze Kay

Another group comprising Kenneth Suthan Kee, Ng Weng Tat, Seek Chan Seng, Darryl Tan Khuan Shung, Ong Ze Ming and Goh Yit Chin used eye-catching artworks and props for human trafficking representations - chains to enslave and boxes to cage and transport victims. They have also learnt from the United Nations official website that Malaysia is recorded as one of the worst 5 countries for human trafficking, and 30 July is the International Day against Human Trafficking.

From left: Tan Vi Chard, Liew Kok Long, Ling Zun Hoo, Hing Ka Seng and Ng Yi Jiang

The group consisting of Tan Vi Chard, Liew Kok Long, Ling Zun Hoo, Hing Ka Seng and Ng Yi Jiang, chose children’s education rights. Through their research of real life stories and facts from the internet, they have learnt the importance of education. “Without education, children can’t learn. As they grow up, they can’t get jobs and the country won’t improve. For that we feel lucky for having the opportunity to learn,” explained the group.

From left: Melissa Jeena Roch, Ann Marie Daphene Phillips, Crystal Lee Guat Er, Ian Kok Kye Xuen, Ruburn Raju, Ali Nasser

Activities as such has helped enhance students’ exposure other than textbook knowledge and FIA is supportive of such alternative learning channels. “FIA has been interesting and challenging. It made us think outside the box with activities such as creating blogs, adverts, documentaries and presentations like this. I truly enjoy it,” said Khor Han Cen.