The Art of Giving Back
School of Engineering
Suhaimi B Razali
Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering, Year 1
After O Levels, I was psyched to join NYP's School of Engineering's Diploma in Electronic and Computer Engineering. It was my first choice as I've always loved dismantling electronic devices to find out how they work. But most importantly, the school also nurtured my other passion: Volunteering.
As a Daisy Phay NYP Foundation Scholarship holder, I was invited to join NYP’s Capstone Leadership Development Programme. This was the perfect opportunity for me because the programme exposed me to a wide range of volunteering opportunities. I like how the programme encourages me to give back to society (back in secondary school, I was involved in a lot of community service). I also enjoy the flexibility of trying out different things.
When it came to my six-week vacation in September 2020, I was looking for something meaningful to do. This caught my eye: Krsna’s Free Meals, a soup kitchen serving free meals to migrant workers and the elderly. I was intrigued.
I arrived on my first day and it seemed crazy with people rushing around. But within minutes, I was briefed and I too was involved in that incredible rush to get people fed. I spent almost half my vacation at the soup kitchen, spending two to three days there weekly to help on the logistic matters, focusing on packing and distributing meals.
Over time, I learnt more about the plight of these migrant workers and how hard they work to support their families back home. I hope to get more opportunities to chat with them and learn their stories (but can’t now due to COVID-19 restrictions). It’s a heart-warming and rewarding feeling, to be able to contribute to the community, no matter how small the act is.
My next volunteer stint? A beach clean-up at the end of November! I’m also planning to volunteer again at the soup kitchen at the next semester break in December.
#BecauseWeCan