SIBU: The National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu Branch has sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in a strategic move to strengthen cooperation in the areas of consumerism, human capital development and social responsibility involving students and local communities.
The signing ceremony was conducted by MTPN Sibu branch chairman, Lucas Lau Sieu Sing, and UTS Vice-Chancellor, Datuk Prof. Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, at UTS’ senate room on Tuesday.
It was witnessed by MTPN Sibu branch vice-chairperson, Nur Intan Asmida Busmandi, and UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Shahril Osman.
Also present was MTPN Vice-President, Prof. Jericho Tang Kit Wai.
The MoU covers various areas of cooperation, including organising consumer awareness programmes, training, consumer safety, consumerism related research, student engagement in community and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes as well as sharing of expertise and resources between the two parties.
Khairuddin, in his speech, said such cooperation was important to open up a space for real-life case studies to be shared with the community and students.
“We should not focus too much on the theory.
“I hope this memorandum is not just a customer and a provider but a continuous cooperation to shape consumer ethics and awareness among our students,” he stressed.
He also emphasised the need to educate the younger generation to be more ethical in making consumer-related decisions, especially in a digital environment full of media influence and online purchasing temptations.
“Sometimes students are too obsessed with online shopping so they eventually buy unnecessary items.
“This can be avoided if there is an early exposure to your rights and responsibilities as a user,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lau expressed his appreciation for the cooperation and described it as an effort to expand consumer education at the grassroots level and direct young people.
“We believe this cooperation will open more space for joint projects for the benefit of consumers and national development.
“It is also in line with our mission to empower consumers through education and awareness,” Lau asserted.
