Curtin VAD 57 grabs top prizes at Volunteer Recognition Night

Miri – 31 July 2012 – The Malaysian Red Crescent Voluntary Aid Detachment 57 (VAD 57) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) did their varsity proud by winning the Best VAD Unit (Category A) 2012 Sarawak Branch Award for the fourth consecutive year at the state-level Malaysian Red Crescent Volunteer Recognition Night 2012 recently.

In addition, VAD 57 commandant Phang Kip Loong was presented the Best Commandant Award and James Lee Yik Hon the Best VAD Leader Award.

The awards ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC), Sarawak Branch and Miri Chapter Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam; Director of MRC Sarawak Branch John Lam; First Vice Chairman Datuk Dr. Lee Kim Shin; and top officers from other chapters in Sarawak.

True to its motto “We Serve Voluntarily”, VAD 57 actively promotes the Red Crescent movement and the importance of first aid and safety awareness. It also assists Curtin Sarawak’s medical officer in emergency cases and provides community service on and off campus.

Phang said the awards VAD 57 received are a testimony of the unit’s commitment to providing quality voluntary services on campus and on behalf of Malaysian Red Crescent, Miri Chapter.

He congratulated the unit members for a job well done and hopes they will keep up the spirit of volunteerism and continue to serve the community at large to the best of their ability. He also acknowledged the support of the Office of Staff and Student Affairs of Curtin Sarawak and Malaysian Red Crescent, Miri Chapter.

Unit member Sham Zhen Dong said he was proud of VAD 57’s many achievements and encourages more Curtin Sarawak students to join the unit, whilst fellow member Chin Hua Lung commented that he was honoured that the unit has been awarded the Best VAD Unit Award for three consecutive years.

Nigerian international student Omotehinse Becky Damilola added that she was proud to be a part of the unit and thoroughly enjoyed the awards ceremony as it was her first time attending such an event.

Upcoming events for VAD 57 include a welcoming party, basic first aid course, mock exercise and Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) Camp.

More information on VAD 57 can be obtained at its website at www.curtinrc.blogspot.com, by e-mailing curtinrc@gmail.com, or visiting its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/281149306193/.

Curtin VAD 57 team members proudly posing with their awards.

Deputy Chairman of MRC, Limbang Chapter Haji Awang Omar bin Pg. Tajuddin (right) presenting the Best Commandant Award to Phang Kip Loong.