St John Ambulance Malaysia (SJAM) of Ave Maria Convent Secondary School Ipoh participated in an Exchange Programme with The Hong Kong St John Ambulance recently.
A total of 19 students from St John AMC between the age of 16 and 17 years old participated in this self funded programme in Hong Kong. The delegation from Malaysia was headed by the principal Puan Chen Chui Hiong and accompanied by the Teacher Advisor cum Divisional Superintendent Mdm Tan Pei Nee and Team Trainer, Mr Kevin Peter. Also present with the delegation from Malaysia was representative from SJAM National HQ, Mr V. Mohanadasan. Planning and discussion with both countries started as early as in 2011.
The idea of this programme was to share and exchange experience/expertise in the area of First Aid, Home Nursing and running of the division between both countries. Besides that, this would be a good exposure for the young members in youth development and other soft skills.
Many interesting activities were organised in Hong Kong such as Joint First Aid Training by doctors and nurses who are Emergency Specialists, experience exchange on first aid competition between both countries, sharing of knowledge and culture of both countries. The participants also had an opportunity to go around Hong Kong. The participants took part in an activity called City Orienteering similar to The Amazing Race and visited more than 20 tourist attractions using public transport.
One of the most interesting programmes was the Social Service project at a Home for the Aged. Participants from both countries interacted with elderly people between the ages of 65 to 90 and Malaysian participants entertained the old folks with cultural dances.
The highlight of the programme was the Malaysia-Hong Kong First Aid Competition. The Malaysian team almost made a clean sweep in all the events. The team from Malaysia emerged the Overall Champions and First Runners-Up for the Team Event. For the Individual First Aid (High-Level) Category, the Malaysian Team emerged as Champions and First Runners-Up.