Vocational Training Opportunity Centre 24th GRADUATION CEREMONY SATURDAY, 25 MARCH 2023 @Hotel Olympic, Kuala Lumpur Y. W. C. A.
HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY CARE SEWING & TAILORING CULINARY & BAKERY YWCA VTOC: CLASS OF 2022 - 2023 HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY CARE SEWING & TAILORING CULINARY & BAKERY
My warmest congratulations to YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre on its 24th Graduation 2022 – 2023. It was 25 years ago that you embarked on your journey to give an opportunity to young women and girls in the marginalised communities in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia to learn an income generating skill, thus empowering these young women and girls to enter the working world. I am proud that over 1,750 graduates, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, social and cultural differences have been empowered to face the challenges in the workplace. Your trainees have been privileged to be exposed to the greatest of all diversities: That of cultures, habits, languages, attitudes and patterns of behaviour. I believe that your teachers have delivered the kind of education that entails learning which fosters self-confidence, initiative, enterprise and creativity. Having acquired and manifested all these, I can say that the kind of curriculum that you have delivered is relevant and meaningful. My heartfelt gratitude to all teachers and the management of this prestigious centre. To the graduating class of 2022-2023, I join your parents, teachers and friends in celebrating your success and ushering you into a more exciting and challenging phase in your life. May the Lord Almighty bless you always. MRS CHRISTABELL RAJA@ISAIAH PRESIDENT YWCA MALAYSIA Message From The PRESIDENT of YWCA MALAYSIA 1
The YWCA of Kuala Lumpur moves into its 110th year and continues to empower and inspire young women with the setting up of our Vocational Training Opportunity Centre (VTOC) in 1998. The VTOC provides education and vocational training to young women with great emphasis on skill development. We are dedicated to empowering young women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all besides, working towards environmental change to protect as well as preserve the environment. I sincerely hope that our Graduates with the knowledge, values, skills and attitudes obtained during studies will enable them to become contributors to a sustainable society and important actors in the nation building of Malaysia. I wish you success in the next steps of your career, whether in your first job, or as an independent entrepreneur. Above all, I sincerely hope that you will be proud alumni and life-long friends. My heartiest congratulations to you on completing another important milestone in your learning journey! Graduation signifies the start of a new chapter of your life. Wherever your path leads you next, I believe that your time at VTOC has prepared you well for the new challenges ahead. I encourage you to embrace challenges as you progress. Continue to seize opportunities to learn, grow, innovate, adapt and be resilient. Whatever you choose to do next, remember that learning is a lifelong journey. To The Board members & Volunteers, you all are the lifeblood of YWCA and VTOC. Thank you so very much for volunteering to serve in this capacity. Your commitment & willingness to give your time and service is greatly appreciated. Your support allows us to fulfil our mission to serve our community each year. Let us be the inspiration of change - together we can and we will inspire the world. Message From The PRESIDENT of YWCA KUALA LUMPUR “By Love Serve One Another”. All Glory To God Almighty! MS SANDRA V. SINGAM PRESIDENT YWCA KUALA LUMPUR 2
2022 – 2023 has been a year of upskilling for VTOC trainees. Supported by our collaboration partners, a Career Fair was organised before the trainees underwent 2 months of internships. Almost 90% of our trainees obtained internships with employers chosen by them. We were pleased with the good feedback on the trainees’ work performance from the employers. Message From The CHAIR of YWCA VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY CENTRE Our Culinary & Bakery trainees had 3 pre-placement training sessions and a marketplace showcase @ Career Fair, giving the girls an opportunity to demonstrate their creative and entrepreneurship skills. Career Fair @ VTOC 3
The VTOC started the 2022-2023 academic year in April 2022 in tandem with the Government schools term dates. During the year, with Covid restrictions uplifted, the VTOC managed to continue with its pre-Covid programs such as the Mentor - Mentee Program, Leadership Program (partnering with SOLS 24/7), Creative & Design (Canva) training, Special Events (such as Merdeka Day, Malaysia Day) and many other holistic programs. We would like to take the opportunity to record our appreciation to all the individuals and organisations who have through their support and generosity made it possible to introduce impactful programs @ the VTOC. Our sincere gratitude to Kuok Foundation, Citi Foundation, PNB Merdeka Ventures (through ThinkCity), Tawingo Fund, Choice Foundation, UPS Foundation and PERMA. Thank you for supporting the VTOC passion because it is the secret ingredient that drives hard work and excellence. Supported by Citi Foundation, VTOC also rolled out the Entrepreneurship Program, where the curriculum for the Program was drafted by a team @ the VTOC supported by external consultants. Other than the VTOC trainees, the VTOC organised an outreach program by offering the Entrepreneurship Program to the B40 women from the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) flats, Orang Asli young women and girls in Bentong, Bukit Lanjan and Cameron Highlands, empowering over 110 women and girls. MS. JOANNE YEOH CHAIR YWCA VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITY CENTRE 4
Ms. Joanne Yeoh Poh Suan Dato’ Ramani Gurusamy Ms. Sandra Simon Ms. Vasanthi Jaganathan Ms. Kalavathy Subramaniam Ms. Fairly Yap Ms. Vimala Mathews Ms. Gaik Wong Ms. Carolyn Yong -Chair -Member -Member -Member -Member -Member -Member -Member -Member YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre Board of Governors -General Secretary YWCAKL -Principal YWCAVTOC Ms. Elizabeth Easaw Ms. Kamalaasri Ms. Umai Thevi Palasuntharam Ms. Thanamletchumy Nadeson Ms. Ng Suit Mun Puan Noorhazreen Rosly Ms. Kartiyani Palaniandy Ms. Sylvia Lyn Francis Ms. Chew Kim Gin Ms. Loorth Anthony Ms. Lee Lai Yee Ms. Rajasvary a/p Suppiah Ms. Thavanasvary C Kanagasundram Ms. Kundiama a/p Varatha Rajoo Ms. Angela Sinnappayan Mr. Jonathan -Principal -Lecturer, Culinary -Lecturer, Bakery -Lecturer, Sewing & Tailoring -Lecturer, Hair Dressing -Lecturer, Beauty Care -Asst. to Lecturer, Beauty Care -Asst. to Lecturer, Hair Dressing -Asst. to Principal -Asst. to Principal -Accounts Executive -Matron (Trainees) -Matron (Residents) -IMG Worker -IMG Worker -Gardener/Handyman Ms. Crena Bapstine Paul Ms. Elizabeth Easaw EX-OFFICIO PROFESSIONAL STAFF 5
Vocational Training Opportunity Centre TRAINEES 10 April 2022 to 25 March 2023 Lecturer (Hair Dressing) : Ms. Ng Suit Mun Lecturer (Beauty Care) : Pn. Noorhazreen Rosly Asst. to Lecturer(Hair dressing): Ms Sylvia Lyn Francis Asst. To Lecturer(Beauty Care): Ms. Kartiyani a/p Palaniandy Hue Jen Ni Koshelambigai a/p Segar Tan Yee Yen SEWING & TAILORING COURSE Lecturer: Ms. Thanamletchumy Nadeson Ridina Osman [Kajang] Masyudira Sazali [Kajang] Vasanthi Manimaran [Selangor] Easther Karen Piliph@philip [Sabah] Vaishnevi a/p Thinagaran [Kedah] Serena Michelle a/p S Manimaran [K.Lumpur] Lecturer (Culinary) : Ms. Kamalaasri Lecturer (Bakery) : Ms. Umai Thevi Palasuntharam Sharzilyne Yenn Stephen [Sabah] Imuk Anak Empenai [Sarawak] Ally Sandra Ason [Sabah] Doreen Ling Mei Wei [Selangor] Tarani a/p Kersnan [Perak] Kayalvily a/p Manialagan [Perak] Shalini a/p Raja [K.Lumpur] Shahna Gulasingam [K.Lumpur] Rozubaidah Zairi [Kajang] CULINARY & BAKERY COURSE Cheam Xin Yin [Selangor] Kamaliy Manialagan [Perak] Lim Wanye [K.Lumpur] Siti Safina bt Ibas [Selangor] Lim Lee Yee [Selangor] Kreesha a/p R Kumar [K.Lumpur] Eliyana a/p Jasri [Kajang] Amy Teh Jinyan [Kedah] Rithika a/p Tirumurti [Selangor] Sharvini a/p V. Ganesan [Kajang] Mena Binti Misbun [Kelantan] Nishalini a/p Elangoovan [K.Lumpur] HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY CARE COURSE 6
CULINARY & BAKERY HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY CARE 7
9.00am Arrival of Guests 9.30am Arrival of Guest of Honour 9.35am The National Anthem 9.40am Opening Prayer 9.45am Welcome Address by VTOC Chair Ms Joanne Yeoh Marketing Video Movie Trailer YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre 24TH GRADUATION CEREMONY Programme 8
10.00am Address By Guest of Honour 10.20am Words of Appreciation by the Graduates 10.40am Presentation of Certificates/ Awards 11.45am Group Photo 12.00pm Closing Remarks 12.00pm Refreshments & Exhibition @ VTOC YWCA Vocational Training Opportunity Centre 24TH GRADUATION CEREMONY Programme 9
Congratulations! Class of 2022/2023 SEWING & TAILORING 10
11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 29 Apr 30 Apr 17 May 18 May 21 May 29 May 8 June 16 July 22 July 25 July -Introduction to YWCA | Ms Juwita Suwito, YWCA Vice President 1 Introduction to VTOC | Ms Joanne Yeoh, VTOC Chair -Introduction to VTOC Courses | VTOC Instructors Healthy Eating | Ms Mary Easaw -Talk on Hygiene is My Practice | Ms T.Kanthini Thirunavukaras Workshop on Personality Development | Intern Counsellors -Workshop on Table Etiquette | Mr Abbinash Santhanakrishnan Talk on Human is My Language | Ms Yvonne -My Journey in VTOC | Ms Kartiyani Palaniandy IMU Dental Talk | Dr Yogeswari Sivapragasam -Urban Farm | ESR -VTOC Starbucks Tour | Ms Rina Siew & Ms Joanne Yeoh -Community Service (Tuesdays & Saturdays) | Ms Jovia James John -PNB 118 Tour | PNB Merdeka Ventures -Crisis Intervention Workshop | Ms T. Kanthini Thirunavukaras Christian Fellowship (Thursdays) | Pastor Thomas, Wesley Methodist Church -Sound & Music Workshop | Youth Wing, YWCA -Youth Program (Fridays) | Dr Yogeswari Sivapragasam -Student Council Election | Ms T. Kanthini Thirunavukaras & Ms Sylvia Francis -Night Movie (Saturdays) | Youth Wing, YWCA -Group Counselling (Saturdays) | Counsellor & Intern Counsellors -Leadership Training (Boot Camp) | Counsellor & Welfare Officer -English & Computer Classes (Wednesdays) | IMU Undergraduates -V-Canteen Day, C&B Pre-Placement & V Creative Studio Tour | VTOC & ESR -Creative Make-Up Program Session 1 | Youth Wing & Yasmin Lim -Fire Prevention Training | VTOC Activities & Programs for VTOC Trainees 2022 - 2023 2022 11
-Table Plating | Mr Abbinash Santhanakrishnan -Entrepreneurship Program | Soroptimist International Damansara -Creative Make Up & Fashion Sketch presentation | Youth Wing -Kg Attap Bazaar 2022 | PNB Merdeka Ventures -Early Childhood Education Orientation | Global Educare & VTOC -Fine Dining & Table Setting (V-Restaurant) | Mr. Abbinash Santhanakrishnan -Achieve Program from Prince Trust International (PTI) | SOLS 24/7 -Fire Drill | VTOC -V-Merdeka Celebration | VTOC -Fashion Program & Costume Production | Youth Wing & Lauren Kaur -Career Path in Culinary | Carlos Heng of Mak Mak, Sydney Australia -Open Dialogue with PERMA | Mr M Vickneswaran -Introduction to Canva design | Ms Kartiyani Palaniandy -Charity Film Show (Black Adam) | Soroptimist International Damansara -Typhoid jab & Online Food Handling course | VTOC -V-Career Fair | VTOC -Internship | VTOC -Save Ringgit & Ringgit Will Save You | Ms Rachel Melvin -V-Christmas Gathering | VTOC -V-Ponggal Celebration | Ms Kartiyani Palaniandy & Ms Sylvia Francis -Visit by TAWINGO Fund | YWCA VTOC -Visit by TEGAS | YWCA -Stage Make-Up & Special Effects Painting | Ms Zuleika Marie Gomez -Farm to Table Lunch | Eat Shoots & Roots -Y-Movie Screening | Youth Wing -YWCA VTOC 24th Graduation 2022/2023 | VTOC 2 Aug 16 - 15 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 3 Sept 12 Sept 12 Sept '22 to 21 Mar '23 13 Sept 16 Sept 17 Sept 22 Sept 11 Oct 20 Oct 29 Oct 31 Oct 26 Nov 5 Dec '22 to 5 Feb '23 20 Dec 19 Dec 17 Jan 19 Jan 27 Jan 9 Feb 14 Feb 21 March 25 March 2023 12
On our first day here in VTOC, three words would have described us: nervous, awkward and agitated. Nervous because we have not left home before, awkward because we did not know how to fit in this new environment and agitated because there were just so many new faces. Good morning to the honourable guest, the chair of YWCA-VTOC, Ms Joanne Yeoh, members of the Board of Governors, Principal, guests and all fellow graduates. Thank you for being here to celebrate our much-awaited graduation. As I recall, our first assignment here at VTOC was to present a cultural show. Yours truly, along with our Student Council president, Easther was asked to lead in organising this cultural event. And yes, together we came and presented a showcase of talents from singing to dancing and acting. The Student Council of VTOC is a prestigious one. We went through the whole process of elections, to be selected in the Student Council. I was voted to be the treasurer and much to my delight, it was a position I personally hold close to my heart because my father holds that position in church. It was far from easy but as in the culture of VTOC, we are not quitters. Classes in the Culinary and Baking Kitchen with Chef Kamala were a journey of culinary delights through India, China, Thailand and the western world. Madam Umai, on the other hand, took us through scaling ingredients, mixing and kneading doughs, baking and icing cakes. Many times, it was Hell’s Kitchen but we have survived! Thank you Chef Kamala and Madam Umai for being caring mentors. We remember assemblies to be talk, talk and more talk. But here at VTOC, we actually looked forward to assembly on Wednesday mornings. Our principal will share funny stories and plan fun activities during this time combined with a fair share of being reprimanded too. We saw another side of her and we realized that we are “her girls” after all. Thank you Principal for inculcating the importance of respect, punctuality, manners and discipline. There were three persons who always rallied around us, Ms Kanthini, the counsellor, Ms Sylvia the welfare officer and yes, our Matron Margaret. They were ever ready to listen, hand hold and walk with us through all our confusion of adolescence! We are truly amazed by your patience and kindness shown to us in so many ways. I suppose the best part of being here is the friendship built over this one year. Laughter and tears, frustration and joy, fun and fights – so much part of VTOC life. Thank you especially to every Culinary and Baking trainee and to all trainees from the other courses. So finally, we are here! Graduation Day! We step out not nervous, awkward or agitated anymore but confident, inspired and empowered! We are honoured to have been part of YWCA-VTOC. Thank you. Serena Michelle a/p S. Manimaran Culinary & Bakery Class of 2022/2023 Words of Appreciation by Representative from Culinary & Bakery Course 13
Saya anak Orang Asli dan berasal dari Kelantan. Good morning . I am Mena from the Hairdressing and Beauty Care Course. I stand here today on behalf of the graduates from the Hair Dressing and Beauty Care Course to say a few words. But I am shy. So standing here today is frightening for me. We are happy to be here at YWCA-VTOC because a pastor, a guardian, an aunty, a mother, a father, a sister or an uncle encouraged us to come here and be part of this Centre. It has been a good, one year here. Our courses are a play of colours – from washing, shampooing, perming, rebonding, colouring, skincare, waxing, make-up, massages, manicure, pedicure and to a total makeover! We learned team work, creativity and beauty. We experimented with different hairstyles and make-up. It was so amazing! We want to thank Puan Noor Hazreen, Ms Karti, Ms Shermaine and Ms Sylvia. There were programmes that we benefited here like the Entrepreneurship Programme and Work Ready Now organised by Soroptimist International Club of Damansara. I learned skills here that helped me when I went out for internship. Surely, all I learned will also help me in the working world. Thank you Ms. Joanne and the team. Science of Life Studies 24/7 was an interesting programme, too. We were taught to manage stress and manage ourselves. Thank you for organising this for us. After a year of being together, we really appreciate YWCA-VTOC for teaching us to be independent and yet responsible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. I guess I did well for a shy person – at least I did not faint! Thank you YWCA-VTOC Mena a/p Misbun Hair Dressing & Beauty Care Class of 2022/2023 Words of Appreciation by Representative from Hairdressing & Beauty Care Course 14
What each of you are wearing today was stitched by someone who learned sewing and tailoring. Isn’t it great that we are all dressed so well? A round of applause for the graduates of Sewing and Tailoring Course. Good morning! I am Tan Yee Yen from Klang, Selangor and I am representing the graduates from the Sewing and Tailoring Course. Unlike other trainees from the different courses, we, the sewing and tailoring girls were not afraid to join YWCA-VTOC! So I stand here and I am happy to say thank you to everyone who helped us in one way or another. We are a small group of five girls and our lecturer, Ms Thanam patiently taught us pattern drawing, measuring and sewing. Ms Lindsey Ong & Ms Jovia James too had helped us in so many ways. Thank you for the commitment shown to us over this one year. We learned to help and teach one another too. We walk, eat, and sleep with a needle and thread in our hands because Ms Thanam always says, practise makes perfect. We enjoyed many celebrations – birthdays, Gawai, Merdeka, Christmas, Chinese New Year and Ponggal. I believe these celebrations bring us closer together as Malaysians. Sometimes when we want to say, thank you - it is not enough! So much has been done here at YWCAVTOC for us that we want to say again THANK YOU which comes straight from our hearts! We love you and we thank you once again! Tan Yee Yen Sewing & Tailoring Class of 2022/2023 Words of Appreciation by Representative from Sewing & Tailoring Course 15
Good morning. My name is Keziah and I am an early childhood education trainee at YWCA-VTOC. I am very honored to have been given the opportunity to speak today. Let me start by thanking our YWCA-VTOC chairman Madam Joanne Yeoh, our ever supportive principal Madam Elizabeth Easaw, our team of dedicated lecturers, our matrons and our dearest family and friends. Without your support and encouragement, we would not have evolved into the independant young ladies you see here. Thank you for moulding us. When I first arrived here, I was feeling scared and nervous because I have never been far away from my family. Looking back, taking this big step was probably the best decision I have made so far. Starting out as trainees who very quickly become friends, we have made so many memories together - mostly good and sometimes bad. Yet, the bad days don't look so bad anymore- we can now look back and laugh at those moments. There were many occasions when we disagreed about what many may consider to be unimportant issues. There were plenty of fights, but that never stopped us from standing up for one another when it mattered. I feel truly blessed to have got to have known you all and to be a part of the little family we have built here. Credit goes to the amazing team of lecturers here, who truly care for us and have taught us with such passion. They gave us their all, so that we can then go on to contribute to society. Fellow graduates, I may have only known you for one year, but I have no doubt that each and every one of you is special, creative and smart in your own unique way. You have to believe in yourself. As the saying goes “Success doesn’t happen overnight, it is a product of long term diligence and perseverance.” I am confident we will all go out and embrace life in our own unique styles. Until recently, I used to get nervous every time I imagined finishing the course and having to start on a new chapter in life.But now that I am standing here, I am filled with excitement and eager to step out into the world and give it everything I’ve got. My sincere hope is that YWCA-VTOC continues to enhance the lives of students here in the future. Thank you once again, and hoping to share good tidings with you in the days and years to come. Keziah Layu Paterus Early Childhood Education Class of 2022/2023 Words of Appreciation by Representative from Early Childhood Education Course 16
Kuok Foundation Berhad Citi Foundation PNB Merdeka Ventures Think City Soroptimist International Club of Damansara Magnum Starbucks Foundation Choice Foundation Sidang Injil Borneo (SIBKL) Eats, Shoots & Roots Persekutuan Perkhidmatan Masyarakat Ceylonese Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMA) HELP University Intern Counsellors IMU Undergraduates The Lost Food Project SALA Restaurant Nutz & Boltz Kampung Kravers Nicola Beauty & Nail Salon Zrii Academy Miko Paris Baguette Acme KLCC All donors who have made donations towards the VTOC Chairperson and members of the Board of Governors for their invaluable service and support Board members of YWCA Kuala Lumpur All friends and volunteers who have assisted in the many-faceted programs of the VTOC All professional and ancillary staff of the VTOC Acknowledgements 17
Seated (left to right) : Loorth Anthony, Shermaine Ng, Sylvia Francis, P.Kartiyani, Kim Gin Chew, Elizabeth Easaw, Dato' Ramani Gurusamy, Joanne Yeoh, J.Vasanthi, Kalavathy Subramaniam, Kamalaasri, Umai Thevi, N.Thanamletchumy, Margaret First row standing (left to right) : Sharzilyne Yenn, K.Kreesha, S.Shalini, Eliyana Jasri, T.Vaishnevi, S.Koshelambigai, T.Rithika, M.Vasanthi, Precious Tan, G.Sharvini, Amy Teh, Tan Yee Yen, E.Nisha, Lim Wanye, Ally Sandra, Serena Michelle, Siti Safina, Saarnitha, Easther Karen Second row standing (left to right) : Lim Lee Yee, Masyudira Sazali, M.Kayalvily, Mena Misbun, G.Shahna, Alyia Ian, Rozubaidah Zairi, Hue Jen Ni, K.Tarani, Imuk Empenai, Ridina Osman, M.Kamaliy, Cheam Xin Yin, Doreen Ling