Kuala Lumpur, 21 March 2009 - UCSI University, organised the first “BB Got Talent” and the Buddies protégés showed off their exceptional talents. Students of UCSI University who are College Buddies to these individuals with learning disabilities organised this event to provide an avenue for them to “shine”. These special individuals showed incredible talents in music, singing, dancing, poetry and art. Funds raised from ticket sales amounting to RM 1,400 were donated to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM).

NASOM representative, Ms. Lydia Manom, was invited and she commented that this effort by UCSI University was a very good one, as it provided a platform for these individuals with learning disabilities to showcase their talents and also find a “buddy” amongst the UCSI University students involved in the “Best Buddies” programme.

The Best Buddies programme aims to integrate children and persons with learning disabilities into society. Under this programme, UCSI University students are paired off with children having learning disabilities, after compatibility checks are carried out.

UCSI University is Malaysia’s first Best Buddies chapter and have been organising “Best Buddies” programmes since May 2008. Since then, students involved in the Best Buddies programme have built a strong bond with these individuals through various outings and programmes.

A total of 14 participants joined the “BB Got Talent” programme. This group of people performed various dance and singing routines. The most endearing part was when each participant sat through each other’s performance and either sang or clapped along with the performance.

The participants varied in ages from as young as 8 to 26. They include: Tan Kok Siong who did a dance number, Umar bin Hasfizal who sang a Malay song entitled, Andai Ku Tahu; Sam Turner made a great attempt to sing the Chinese song Lao Shu Ai Ta Mi. Violin virtuoso, Ho Wai Keen; pianist William Chen Wei Lum and Jason Kam Tze King played a few tunes on the keyboard and piano. Pan Tuan Sin and Liau Chen Rou each rendered a song while Charmain Chan dedicated the song The Greatest Love of All, to her UCSI University mentors.

The Best Costume Prize was won by Ho Chan Choong. Bobo Cheh Fook Seng, who performed a disco dance was named Best Entertainer. Second Runner-up was Kahirul Hazim bin Zainuddin who read a poem he wrote himself, entitled, I Am My Mother’s Child. First Runner-up was Keok Xiao Han who drew a very beautiful and colourful picture using crayons during the performance. Champion for BB Got Talent was Clarence Kang who performed a very difficult piano piece worthy of a diploma music student, though he was but 12.

According to Chapter President, Teo Hui Ru, 3rd Year, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, “The participants gave their all during the performance and after spending sometime with my buddy, I have learnt a lot from her. Her seriousness and commitment in completing a task has inspired me to work harder for Best Buddies. I am blessed to have her as my buddy.”

Ms. Teow Ker Shin, UCSI University’s Best Buddies advisor says “More activities to foster closer relationship between the buddies and their protégés will be carried out this year and as such, we always welcome people to join us.”

Enquiries can be directed to: bestbuddies.ucsi@gmail.com. For more information, visit: http://www.ucsi.edu.my/sao/bestBuddies.asp

• UCSI University’s Best Buddies Pot-Luck Gathering