"In light of the recent Hulu Langat landslide and such other recurrent disasters, natural or otherwise, it is timely that this Civil Defence Corp is set up. It will equip these students with the necessary skills to provide assistance in times of emergency and crisis," said Nilai University College (Nilai UC) President Prof Emeritus Tengku Dato' Shamsul Bahrin during the official launching of the institution's unit
"The establishment of this corp is consistent with Nilai UC's policy of 'Enrichment for life'. We are confident of our academic disciplines and they will provide students with essential knowledge to earn a living. That is our core job but as an institution of higher education, we also have a responsibility to society by making our graduates capable of making positive contributions to the general public," added Tengku Shamsul, who is also Nilai UC's Civil Defence Corp Commandant and carries the rank of Honorary Colonel
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner Selamat Hj Dahalan, Deputy Chief Director of Operations, Civil Defence Department Malaysia, who inspected the Guard of Honour. Also in attendance was Civil Defence Major Tuan Lokman Hakim Abdul Rahman, Director of Civil Defence Department, Negeri Sembilan.
Selamat said in his speech that being in the Civil Defence Corp also enabled students to help out in their everyday routine in class as well as in the workplace, not just during times of crisis or natural disasters and other assistance. Selamat concurred with Tengku Shamsul's sentiments when he said in his speech that the Civil Defence Corp prepares students to be future leaders on campus, at work and in society. He praised Nilai UC for supporting such uniform bodies and hoped that many students will join and benefit from Civil Defence membership.
Students were also treated to a demonstration of formation marching by the Civil Defence cadets from SMK Palong 7. The audience was shown how Civil defence cadets learnt the meaning of discipline in executing a tough routine under the afternoon sun. Many were seen swarming the information booth later looking to join Nilai UC's newly established Civil Defence Corp much to the satisfaction of Tengku Shamsul. The marching band from Civil Defence Corp's Training Academy was also present and provided the event with an appropriate soundtrack.
"Nilai UC places a great deal of emphasis on extra-curricular activities as we believe in producing well-rounded graduates. These graduates will be team players in their workplace and also be useful members of society," emphasised Tengku Shamsul.
Nilai UC has a large number of clubs and organisations under the Department of Students Affairs and Sports to ensure students have plenty of wholesome and useful activities to keep them occupied outside the classroom. Nilai UC's Civil Defence Corp is the first to be set up in a private higher education institution. The administrators chose to build its 105-acre campus on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur City Centre to minimise distractions and also to have a campus which is conducive for sporting activities. For more information on the various diploma, degree and masters programmes on offer, please go to www.nilai.edu.my or call 06-8502338/07-3332336/03-79603089.
