Curtin Malaysia’s VAD 57 bags its twelfth Best VAD Unit award

Miri – 15 December 2020 – The Malaysian Red Crescent Voluntary Aid Detachment Unit No. 57 (VAD 57) of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) has, for the twelfth consecutive year, been awarded the Malaysian Red Crescent’s ‘Best VAD Unit Award’ for being the most outstanding voluntary aid detachment in Sarawak.

The Best VAD Unit Award recognises VAD units for excellent contributions and services to the Malaysian Red Crescent in Sarawak, including high achievement in organising courses, training, fund-raising and community projects, meetings and gatherings. It also recognises the units’ contributions to organising Red Crescent examinations and competitions, and the achievements of their members in them.

In addition, former VAD 57 commandant Wong Jun Khen was presented the Best VAD Commandant Award, and current commandant Chung Chen Yee the Best VAD Leader Award, for outstanding voluntary services to their unit, conducting training, and organising and providing manpower for Red Crescent projects and activities.

Two committee members of the unit, Nikki Khoo Xin Ying and Russell Ng Wei Wern, meanwhile, received the Bronze Award in recognition of their outstanding service to the Red Crescent and their unit throughout 2019.

The awards were announced at the recent 19^th Malaysian Red Crescent Sarawak State Volunteers Recognition Night, which was held virtually and streamed live for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman of Malaysian Red Crescent Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam gave the official address during the online ceremony. Dr. Chan is also the Pro-Chancellor of Curtin Malaysia.

More than 40 categories of awards were presented during the ceremony to officers, leaders, members and volunteers across Sarawak for their dedicated service to the Red Crescent and community throughout 2019. It was noted that many of them were constantly serving the community during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in activities like blood donation drives, food distribution, and making DIY Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Curtin Malaysia’s Director of Health, Counselling and Disability Services, Dr Adeline Wong, who is advisor to the VAD 57, expressed pride in the VAD 57 winning the Best VAD Unit Award for yet another year.

She said the VAD 57, which was established in 2001, is one of Curtin Malaysia’s most active student organisations and the only student voluntary organisation providing first aid. It continues to be a great asset as first responders during critical incidents and events at its campus and, as such, works closely with the Health, Counselling and Disability Services and Campus Security departments in the provision of such services.

The VAD 57 also plays a crucial role in promoting health and safety at the campus, organising the university’s annual blood donation drives and Health & Safety Awareness Week. It also supports the Malaysian Red Crescent Miri District in its various community service activities.

Curtin Malaysia’s VAD 57 wins multiple awards, including Best VAD Unit Award.