KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus raised a total of RM10,000 for the Group Home (formerly known as The Halfway Home), Mental Health Association of Sarawak Kuching Branch, exceeding the initial target of RM1,000.
The amount is the proceeds raised from the SwinCARE Fun Run held last Saturday where the 5KM run was aimed at promoting awareness on mental wellbeing and encourage respect and acceptance among the society.
The Group Home offers support and rehabilitation to patients recovering from mental illness and helps prepare them with the necessary skills to earn a living.
Over 300 participants took part in the event despite the early morning rain. Present to do the flag off at 6.30am was Chairperson of MHAS Kuching Branch Dr Gan Chee Kuan.
Professor Wilson (left) presenting a mock cheque to Deputy Chairperson of MHAS Kuching Branch Dr Lau Kim Kah at the end of the event.
In his closing remark, Swinburne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer Professor John Wilson thanked the organising committee, MHAS, sponsors and all runners for supporting the inaugural event. He added that Swinburne hopes to organise the 2nd SwinCARE Fun Run next year and aims to make it an annual event as part of the university’s commitment in strengthening its community engagement.
The run was sponsored by Moma Water (official hydration partner), Yayasan Sarawak, Perinsurance Broker, PUBM, Liqui Molly, CMS, STIDC Club, Lee Ming Press, Datuk Phillip Ting, Sanjung Etiqa, Swinburne Sarawak Student Council (SSSC) and Staff Recreation Club.
Other sponsors include Angelus Fitness, WheyChillin, Plaza Merdeka, John’s Pie, Komugi Bun, Good Virtues Co., Smart Décor Company and Pui Nam Cheong.
Swinburne is a reputable Australian university with campuses across Melbourne and Sarawak. It offers courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in business, design, engineering, computing and science. The courses offered at the Sarawak campus are identical to those at the Melbourne campus. As a result, graduates are awarded the same Australian qualification that allows for broader recognition and better employment opportunities around the world.
For more information about Swinburne, visit the university’s website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).