Published:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) organised the Watt-A-Run 2023 and welcomed more than 1,600 participants in an effort to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Goal 3, which emphasises good health, wellbeing and aims to promote healthier living and a balanced lifestyle among Malaysians.
The event, which was held recently in Putrajaya, is jointly organised by HWUM Student Association (HWUMSA), HWUM #AHappierU secretariat and JomRun.
The initiative is in line with the University’s positive education initiative called ‘#AHappierU’ which promotes positive values by adopting the 10 keys to happier living introduced by Action for Happiness, United Kingdom to the Heriot-Watt University community and beyond.
The event featured a 5km run, followed by a concert showcasing talents from HWUM and other private universities. A variety of some 20 carnival booths were available for the crowd to enjoy and explore and participants started off with a Zumba warm-up before Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi and Ms Janice Yew, Chief Operating Officer & Registrar of HWUM flagged off for the run to commence.
HWUM Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi said, “We believe education is about empowering the human spirit and nothing is more important than leading a purposeful life. Here at HWUM, we are proud to be emphasizing on purpose-lead education and we are definitely proud of our own students organising events such as this, building flourishing communities and mobilising their purpose into a positive impact on the world.”
HWUMSA Engineering and Sustainability Officer, who is also the Chair of Watt A Run 2023, Ricco Ho Yee Swen said, “I am a connector. My purpose is to build bridges between people, ideas, and resources to contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and enjoyable world. I am deeply honoured to organise Watt A Run 2023, and we are overwhelmed by the positive response. The event is more than creating unforgettable moments; it is a platform to make a positive impact on our community. Sustainability is the very core of this event. Our purpose is to inspire others to embrace sustainability in their daily lives. Together, step by step. We are making our way towards a brighter tomorrow, where sustainability is not an option, but a way of life. Thank you to my committee members who worked very hard for seven months of preparation even during exam/vacation time, HWUMSA officers, #AHappierU, university staff and sponsors who supported the whole event even the participants who joined us.
Sony sponsored in terms of monetary (RM8,000), Sunway Medical Centre Velocity sponsored ambulance, paramedics, health screening vouchers, XOX sponsored in terms of monetary (RM2,000) and RM6,000 to donate to Teach for Malaysia and volunteers to help out for the event and lastly MyeongDong Topokki sponsored lunch for the committee members.