echo The spirit of giving and community shone brightly at SunFest 2024, a signature event organised by the Sunway University Student Council (SUSC) and the Sunway College Student Council. This celebration was dedicated to recognising and encouraging the altruistic efforts already thriving within our student body, while also inspiring further acts of generosity and kindness. This year’s SunFest was especially momentous, as we had the privilege of welcoming Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Jeffrey Cheah, a luminary and philanthropist, to join us in this heartwarming ceremony. His presence underscored the significance of fostering a culture of giving and community support, echoing the very essence of SunFest.
The three-day charity bazaar at SunFest was a resounding success. With around 30 vendors daily, including both external sellers and student alumni, the event embraced sustainability by adhering to a no-plastic policy. Offering a diverse range of food stalls and unique non-F&B items, the bazaar catered to an estimated 2,000 students each day. The organisers expressed immense gratitude to everyone who contributed and participated, noting that their support made the event unforgettable. This formal recount explores the highlights of SunFest 2024, including the opening ceremony, charity bazaar, performances, merchandise sales, and lucky draw sessions.
Source: Tisyha
Opening Ceremony
The campus came alive on the first day of SunFest with the launch of “SunFest: A Gift of Celebration.” The inspiring opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim, Trustee of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, alongside Dato’ Lee Weng Keng, Chief Executive Officer & Advisor of Sunway Education, Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Education, Professor Teo Ee Sing, Executive Director of Sunway College, Ms. Lee Siok Ping, Chief of Student LIFE & Services, Professor Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam, Provost of Sunway University, and Ms. Ng Beng Lean, Group Registrar of Sunway Education. The event also saw the attendance of distinguished members of the Sunway Education management team, Deans and Directors of programs, and esteemed student leaders. Their presence set the stage for a festival dedicated to generosity and community spirit.
The ceremony was vibrant and unforgettable, setting the tone for the incredible three-day charity bazaar. The audience was enchanted by a melodious performance by Ryan Quinsley. Ryan, a distinguished recipient of the Tun Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali Scholarship for Creative Arts and Music. Ryan captivated the audience with a stunning performance of Whitney Houston‘s “Greatest Love of All.” His powerful and emotive rendition of the classic song not only showcased his remarkable vocal talent but also deeply resonated with the attendees, leaving an indelible impression on everyone present. Ryan’s performance drew widespread admiration and applause from the crowd.
Aaron Shua, the President of the Sunway University Student Council for Term 23/24, delivered an inspiring speech at the opening of SunFest: A Gift of Celebration 2024. He welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude for their presence at an event rooted in the culture of giving back. Aaron shared the journey of conceiving and planning SunFest, highlighting the support he received from his team, advisor, and the Student LIFE team. He was particularly touched by the involvement of the Sunway alumni, including “The Flower Prince,” who generously sponsored crochet flowers for the event.
The speech emphasised SunFest’s core objective: cultivating a giving generation within the Sunway student community. Aaron underscored the importance of supporting community scholars through the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, ensuring that students in need receive the necessary assistance. He urged the Sunway community to embrace the values of integrity, humility, and excellence, and to recognise the significance of being a giving Sunwayian.
Aaron concluded his speech with a powerful message, reminding everyone that wealth isn’t just about money; it also includes time, talent, and treasure, all of which can be used to make a positive impact. He encouraged everyone to share their blessings, in whatever form they come, to create meaningful change.
Source: Chien Yi
Following the vibrant opening, the ceremony proceeded with insightful speeches from two distinguished figures. First, Prof. Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, took the stage to share her inspiring thoughts and visions for the future. Her address was followed by an equally impactful speech from the Honourable Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim. Both speakers brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the forefront, reinforcing the values of excellence, resilience, and community that Sunway University upholds.
The opening ceremony officially commenced with the unveiling of the Giving Sunwayian Board, symbolising the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of generosity. This momentous occasion was further highlighted by the donation from the Sunway University Student Council (SUSC) and the Sunway College Council (SCC) to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, embodying the spirit of a “Giving Sunwayian”. This act of philanthropy reinforced the festival’s commitment to philanthropy, and set the tone for the entire event.
Source: Tisyha
Charity Bazaar
Extending from the Avenue of Achievement to the Boulevard, the SunFest charity bazaar became a bustling hub of activity and community spirit. Each day, the event hosted around 30 vendors, carefully curated to include a mix of external sellers and Sunway student alumni. This selection brought together a diverse array of products, ranging from delicious local cuisine to handmade accessories and eco-friendly goods, reflecting the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within the Sunway community.
The bazaar’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its strict no-plastic policy, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Vendors were encouraged to use biodegradable packaging, and many stalls offered reusable items, reinforcing the festival’s dedication to environmental consciousness. Vendors included Dude on Wheel, Ipgg Miano Food, Mala, Waferbar520, Simply Fluffy, Leduo.Dessert, Gather Dessert, Cheerse, Kowloon Bubble Waffle, Little Habits, Fried Ice Cream, Tang Gui Fei Tanghulu, Kefi Kohi, Noto, Hami Melon, Chamomilezhi, T-rex Mobile Accessories, Sugar Island, Fancy Box, Moon by Hosh, Zabashop, Bunbun.official_, Chan Yan, my.larie, Grumpers, and The Flower Prince.
The bazaar not only served as a marketplace but also as a platform for community engagement and social impact. Student-led initiatives featured prominently, with various clubs and societies setting up booths to raise funds for charitable causes. The spirit of giving was at the heart of every transaction.
With an estimated 2,000 students visiting each day, the event buzzed with energy and excitement. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by live music and impromptu performances from local talents, making the bazaar a lively and enjoyable experience for all. Attendees were not just passive consumers but active participants in a broader mission of community building and philanthropy.
Moreover, the bazaar fostered connections between current students and alumni, who returned to their alma mater to contribute to the cause. This interaction enriched the event, offering students valuable insights into postgraduate opportunities and inspiring them to continue the tradition of giving back.
In every corner of the bazaar, the Sunway community’s commitment to making a difference was evident, proving that sustainability and charity can go hand in hand in creating a meaningful and memorable event.
Performances
SunFest was filled with stunning performances by both external and internal talents. The atmosphere was alive with the amazing melodies of Yuji Muji and the breathtaking vocals of Joshua Fung. Many internal musical bands and elegant dancers gained valuable exposure, expanding their reach within the Sunway student community. The energy and joy at the Avenue of Achievement made the event a campus highlight for students.
The event came alive with captivating performances from a diverse lineup, including Ler Ee, Simply Ryan, Chong Ji Wing Joseph, Nurul Aina Safeera, Saltee Band, SUCO (Sunway University Chinese Orchestra), Lovendar, Venus & Angus, Amplis, Sarah Sahadan, Vox Crisis, Wu Fei Fan, Cpop Jubilee, The “Min” Duo, Jeny and Ellya, Akbar, Nico, Lnts N’ Friends, and Sushi Lemak, each act adding a unique spark to the vibrant celebration.
Source: Tisyha
Merchandise Sale
A special booth was set up at the Avenue of Achievement to feature SunFest merchandise, such as keychains, tote bags, flasks, and t-shirts. The booth offered attractive group bundle deals, and the proceeds from these sales were donated to the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. This effort not only provided students with memorable keepsakes but also supported a worthy cause.
Lucky Draw
Interspersed throughout the performances across the three-day festival, lucky draw sessions were held to distribute exclusive gifts, including entertainment tickets and accessories, symbolising the spirit of celebration and giving.
Students were thrilled by the announcement of a giveaway of 20 exclusive tickets during the lucky draw session. To participate, they needed to spend a minimum of RM35 on event merchandise, fill out a slip with their name and contact information, and attend the lucky draw session during SunFest. By purchasing merchandise, they not only received fantastic souvenirs but also gained a chance to win these coveted tickets. The excitement was palpable as everyone eagerly took part in this opportunity. SunFest truly embodied the spirit of giving, creating lasting memories, and fostering a deeper sense of community among Sunwayians.
Source: Chien Yi
Livestream
Hosted by the dynamic team from Unilah, the livestream offered a captivating glimpse into SunFest, unveiling exclusive details about the vendors, sponsors, and performances featured throughout the three-day charity bazaar. Attendees had the chance to join the livestream in person on June 25th, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the university foyer, where they also had the opportunity to win exclusive merchandise and items.
The media partner, @unilah.my, played a pivotal role in keeping everyone informed about campus events and special student deals via their app. Unilah excels at keeping students updated on campus events and offering exclusive deals for university students. Additionally, they provide opportunities for remote internships in Singapore, enhancing their value to the student community.
A range of media affiliates also supported the event, including the Ausmat Student Council, SFP Student Council, UOW Malaysia Student Council, Taylor’s University Student Council, Sunway ALSCO (A-Level Student Council), SSV (Sunway Student Volunteers), Sunway Sports Council, Sunway Echo Media, SGFC (Sunway Global Friends Community), Sunway Indonesian Youth Society, SUCO (Sunway University Chinese Orchestra), SMS (Sunway Music Society), SBIS (Sunway Business Investment Society), and SIBS (Sunway International Business Society).
In essence….
SunFest 2024 truly exemplified the essence of giving, leaving an indelible mark on the Sunway community and nurturing a profound sense of togetherness among Sunwayians. The festival was a vibrant tapestry of memorable moments, beginning with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the stage for a celebration rooted in generosity and communal spirit. The dynamic charity bazaar, with its bustling array of vendors and eco-conscious initiatives, embodied the festival’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Every aspect of SunFest, from the thoughtful merchandise sales to the lively performances, was a testament to the collective dedication of the Sunway community. The event not only honoured the altruistic contributions of its members but also ignited a renewed passion for kindness and support. Through its impactful activities and heartfelt interactions, SunFest 2024 ensured that the tradition of giving back remains vibrant and enduring, inspiring continued acts of compassion and reinforcing the legacy of generosity within the Sunway community.
Written by: Tisyha
Edited by: Ashley
