International Youth Centre Attracts 3,000 Visitors On Open Day With Talentime

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Nearly 3,000 people thronged the IYC Open Day held in conjunction with the agency's 37th anniversary celebration under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The open day, organised by the International Youth Centre (IYC) - whose philosophy is to develop a balanced global young generation - aims to promote its facilities, strengthen ties with the local community and youth non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and promote health and fitness activities.

IYC Programme Division head Jadzreill Jaafar said various interesting activities were held for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm.

"We held the IYC's Got Talent competition to provide a platform for young talents, in addition to eSport competitions, wall climbing and colouring and drawing competitions for school children," he told Bernama at the IYC Foundation at Bandar Tun Razak here today.

He said rows of food trucks, food and beverage stalls offering interesting options were also provided to visitors in addition to government, private and NGO agency booths and dental screenings.

"We will be holding many more programmes this year, so we seek the public's support to come make full use of the facilities at IYC. If you want to come to study or hang out, no problem, we are always open," he said.

A Bernama survey found that participants involved in activities such as the aerobicthon competition were decked out in Jalur Gemilang-themed apparel and presented energetic and creative performances.

For Siti Jahibah Abdul Jais, a teacher at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Abdul Jalil, Hulu Langat, such programmes are the best platform to showcase innovative products made by teachers and students.

Siti Jahibah, who was present with teachers and several students, promoted flower arrangement craft made from natural materials such as cardamom, areca nut and pistachio nut shells.

“Apart from promoting handicrafts to generate income for the school, this programme can provide exposure to the community about the use of these materials and can also improve the skills of the students,” she said.

SMK Sentul Utama student, Mel Husayn Bat Abdullah, 16, said he and his friends were excited to be able to represent the school to play musical instruments in the talent competition.

“We came to win, but we also had fun because of the various activities today. There were also many food stalls and I saw that there was also one selling bomboloni (Italian doughnuts), which was my favourite,” he said.

-- BERNAMA