Curtin Sarawak marketing students learn more about Miri Old Folks Home

Miri – 7 April 2014 – Two representatives of the Miri Old Folks Home, Yee Chow Seng and Pong Hon Kin, recently delivered a talk on operating a non-profit organisation (NPO) such as the home to marketing students of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak).

Also present at the talk were the head of the Marketing and Management Department of Curtin Sarawak’s School of Business, Dr. Adriel Sim Khoon Seng, and marketing lecturer Dr. Joseph Sia Kee Ming.

The talk was a component of the students’ Marketing Professional Practice 300 unit which is compulsory for all Curtin marketing students. Based on information provided during the talk, the students are required to act as consultants to the home and develop strategic recommendations for it.

According to Yee, the home was set up by the Chinese community in the early 1940s to serve as a clinic and lodging for elderly Chinese. Currently managed by the Miri Chinese Charitable Trust Board, there are currently over 20 residents at the home.

He added that the elderly are referred to the home by the Miri Welfare Department after background and health checks. He said that, over the years, the home has received funding from the Department as well as from public donations.

According to him, among the challenges faced by the home are a shortage of funds and family issues.

Yee said the committee that manages the home looks forward to the students’ recommendations for its continued improvement.

Dr. Sia (standing, 4th right), Yee (5th right) and Pong (6th right) posing with marketing students at the end of the talk.