Shah Alam, 20 July 2024 – Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam was bustling with excitement as it hosted the SPM Family Day 2024. This annual event saw the participation of 105 individuals, including department staff, students, and their families, gathered to strengthen their bonds and foster a sense of community under the theme “Healing Kampung Style.”

The theme aimed to bring a nostalgic and culturally rich atmosphere, reminiscent of traditional village life. The event began at 8:00 AM with participants arriving and registering for the day. The registration process, smoothly handled by the organising team, set a welcoming tone for the day. As the sun rose higher, everyone enjoyed a hearty breakfast featuring traditional Malay dishes that added to the kampung ambience.

The Head of the Department, Professor Dr Victor Hoe Chee Wai Bin Abdullah, gave an opening speech before the formal proceedings began with a safety briefing and housekeeping guidelines. A heartfelt prayer set a positive tone for the day’s activities.

A lively aerobics session set to traditional kampung music energized the crowd and set the stage for a series of engaging ice-breaking activities. Participants enthusiastically formed groups, creating unique team names and cheers, which fostered a spirit of camaraderie.

The event featured a variety of games and activities designed to cater to both adults and children, all with a kampung twist. Highlights included:

Ballin’ with Spoon: A fun-filled spoon and ping pong ball race.
Guardian of the Kampung: A spirited game of ‘Galah Panjang,’ reminiscent of childhood games in the village.
The Infinity Line Challenge: Teams competed to form the longest line using only items they could find on them, echoing the resourcefulness often found in village life.
Musical Madness: Musical chairs for both children and adults, add a nostalgic touch to the day.

The event also featured special activities for kids to ensure they had an unforgettable experience:

Face Painting Booth: Kids enjoyed getting their faces painted with colourful designs, and transforming into their favourite animals or superheroes.
Drawing and Colouring Station: Kids got creative with Drawing and Colouring session.

As the morning progressed, participants engaged in more challenging activities such as water balloon relays, and the always-popular tug of war. Devoted committee members organized and oversaw the games, ensuring their successful execution and maximum enjoyment.

The event also featured a photo session where participants captured memories of the fun-filled day, with a special kampung-style photo booth set up for the occasion. Free time was provided for relaxation and socializing, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings of Taman Botani.

The culmination of the day was the prize-giving ceremony. Winners of the games and lucky draw participants received their awards, presented by faculty members. The grand prize was handed out by Professor Dr Victor Hoe, bringing joy to the lucky winner.

The SPM Family Day 2024 concluded with a delicious lunch, featuring traditional dishes such as nasi lemak and rendang, after which participants assisted in tidying up the venue before departing. The organising committee, led by Muhammad Afif Bookeri, expressed their gratitude to all participants for making the event a success.

In closing, SPM Family Day 2024 achieved its objectives of strengthening relationships, enhancing teamwork, and creating lasting memories. The “Healing Kampung Style” theme brought an added layer of warmth and nostalgia, showcasing the strong spirit of the SPM community and the timeless values of village life.

Imran Azwan Bin Azizan
Committee Secretary
SPM Department Family Day 2024
20th July 2024
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam