MINDS AT FESTIVAL OF THE MIND

MINDS participated in the Festival of Mind Exhibition organised by the Malaysian Mental Literacy Movement of Malaysia. The exhibition was held at the Petaling Jaya Campus of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman from 1st August to 3rd August, 2008 and was officiated by Dr Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.

This is the third time MINDS participated in such an exhibition. The MINDS booth was set up by volunteers of the Education Committee, namely Tan Hai Heng, Richard Neoh, Aloysius Lee, Dr. Leo Ann Mean and Carol Lok. Ms May Wan of Pro-Sec manned the booth full time for the three days. The volunteers who came in to help out at various times of the three days included Carol Lok, Tan Hai Heng, Richard Neoh, Aloysius Lee and Dr Tan Siew Eng. Patrick Lok, an exco member of MINDS, also helped out and he together with Aloysius Lee and May took down the exhibits on the final day.

Visitors to the MINDS booth included parents, students, teachers and members of the public. The visitors enquired about the activities and services that MINDS offered and showed great interest in the few inventions displayed. The inventions were part of the winning entries in MYIC 2007 and 2008 and loaned from SJKC Cukai, Kemaman and SK Sementa, Klang. Interest was also shown in the Agent Penny Financial Literacy Programme, particularly by an official from the Boys Brigade Organisation who asked whether the programme could be offered to them. He was told to request for the programme through the school.

Observations and Reflection
MINDS should seriously think about assemblying a basic kit for exhibition as invitations to participate in exhibitions, festivals, conventions and events of a similar nature are being received more frequently. The kit should include posters, banners, brochures, leaflets, handouts and also exhibits that would showcase the vision, mission, activities, services and accomplishments of MINDS. The kit should also include all the tools and accessories required to set up the booth quickly, efficiently and attractively.

MINDS need to look at how to advertise, promote and market itself in the most creative, attractive and hip way. It is in the interest of MINDS to give serious, critical and urgent thought and action into this, otherwise MINDS would be left behind and may become irrelevant as other organisations involved in similar activities and services as MINDS appear to be more progressive, aggressive and dynamic in promoting themselves and their activities.

The setting up and manning of MINDS' booth should involve more members of the society. It should not be the task of only the volunteers of the Education Committee. It would be nice if members of the executive committee are around to attend to the visitors as they would be able to promote MINDS more directly and also lessen the load on the volunteers.

MINDS should try to lobby to present papers and talks in exhibitions and events of such a nature. This would help to promote and improve the image of MINDS as a champion of creativity and invention.

Regards
A. Lee
Edu.Comm