ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, is instilling greater environmental awareness among children by organizing a drawing competition for budding artists to creatively express their view of the environment.
The hospital had collaborated with MY Art Studio, an educational hub that cultivates creative and artistic development among children, to jointly hold the i-Kiddo & MyArt drawing competition earlier this year.
With the only requirement being that the hospital’s mascot i-Kiddo be part of the artwork, the children unleashed their creativity in imaginative ways.
“Our corporate responsibility’s focus this time around was aimed at encouraging the younger generation to think more about how the environment affects them and how they need to take care of it.
“We do not want sustainability to just be a buzz word but one that people of different ages can relate to. With climate change drastically altering our world, it is important that we instill good values and start educating our children on the importance of preserving the environment for the well-being of people today and the generations to come,” said PMC acting chief executive officer Dr Ong Kuo Ghee.
The hospital’s commitment to sustainability is part of the Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care Group in line with the RSD Cares pillars of “Caring for our Planet”.
MY Art Studio director Jeffers Lim said their goal has always been to inspire children to express themselves through art.
“We are happy to join PMC to spearhead a fun yet educational activity that instills environmentally-conscious values from a young age. It is important that we provide children with creative platforms to explore their potential while building character. After all, every man was once a child who needs education and experience to turn wise and kind,” he said.
Close to 200 submissions were received from children across the country, ranging in age from 3 to 12 years, with 28 creative artworks shortlisted by the judges. The shortlisted entries were displayed at an art exhibition which was held at the hospital.
Lee Xun Yi, 7, and Aleesya Qaireen Qaisarah, 10, emerged as the top two winners for the junior and senior categories respectively. Their winning artworks were later used to produce exclusive tote bags for charity.
A total of 28 winners were selected, with prizes offered including tablets, health screening vouchers, stationary sets, Lego sets and art & craft kits.
PMC’s focus on the environment continued with a visit to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) Titiwangsa Centre in conjunction with World Autism Day. Hospital management and staff volunteers spent the day with the children to spread cheer and goodwill.
The Nasom Titiwangsa was gifted with 60 exclusive tote bags featuring the art competition winners’ artworks, as a means to raise funds.