UCSS Hosts International New Year’s Celebration
Chet Pisey (Head of Training and Translation)
The University of Cambodia Student Senate (UCSS) hosted its annual International New Year’s Celebration on the evening of December 29, 2012, based on the theme of “UC Community: Night of the Year, Contribution, Entertainment and Humanity”. Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and members of the public participated in the festivities, which included games, food and a performance by UC students
Two pairs of UC students served as the Masters of Ceremonies. Bun Penghuy, UCSS President of the outgoing Sixth Mandate, delivered some opening remarks and expressed appreciation to all parties who had contributed to the success of the event: The University of Cambodia, students, volunteers, staff and faculty advisors, members of UCSS, and sponsors.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of UC and Adviser to Samdech Techo Prime Minister Hun Sen, delivered the opening address and wished everyone a happy and joyous holiday season. He also encouraged students to strengthen their skills and build their capacity so they can contribute to the growth and development of the country.
During the two-hour show, UC students performed both traditional and modern songs and dances; in addition, a group of orphans performed a traditional dance. Adjacent to the stage and performance area, students in the UC Cambodian Red Cross Youth (UCCRCY) managed a booth as a way to fundraise money for volunteer activities planned by the student organization, and teams of UC students sold food, drinks, and other products under a large tent opposite the stage, as part of a business initiative for their courses at UC.
Thus the purpose of the event was to not only entertain the UC community and welcome in the New Year, but also to educate students and others about Khmer culture. The celebration also served as a valued learning opportunity for students: some learned how to plan and manage a large-scale event, while others learned how to manage a budget and operate a small business venture. These activities complement the traditional learning experiences which students get at the University and further enrich their skills set.
The University would like to congratulate the UCSS Sixth Mandate for coordinating a successful school-wide event, as well as other services to UC students, the University, and the general community. Collectively, these students have helped to strengthen student leadership, university activities, and the school spirit at the University – all of which contributes to the development and expansion of activities and resources that are available through the University.
