One Life Revolution launched at Monash University

12 March 2008

The debut of the One Life Revolution exhibition in Malaysia got off to a roaring start with a total attendance of more than 2,000 at Monash University in Bandar Sunway. These included several hundred secondary students from schools in the vicinity. The exhibition by World Vision Malaysia, aimed at creating awareness on the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in developing countries, was held between 5-8 March and hosted by Monash as part of Monash’s celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of its Sunway campus.

The exhibition’s interactive use of real life stories, realistic props, photography and a pre-recorded voice over allowed visitors a very touching glimpse into the ordeal experienced by three children, one each from Malaysia, Cambodia and India, due to unfortunate circumstances caused by poverty and their subsequent brush with HIV/AIDS.

“World Vision is providing Malaysians with an opportunity to see, hear and experience in a personal way the lives of children whose worlds have devastated by AIDS,” said Professor Anuar Zaini Md Zain, Head of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences in representing Monash.

He said Monash was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to host the exhibit and hoped it would spur people to reach out individually to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease, especially children.

This, he said, would be in line with selection of the One Life theme for the event, which is based on the belief that one life can really make a difference - that one person’s contribution, support and energy can make a difference in another’s life.

“World Vision, unfortunately, cannot take thousands of Malaysians to witness the tragedy of the AIDS pandemic personally," said Liew Tong Ngan, CEO of World Vision Malaysia. "So we've created this exhibit to enable people to 'step into Asia' and learn more about the effects of the greatest humanitarian disaster of our time and how they can help. No one can do everything, but each of us can do something to help turn the tide against AIDS."

The exhibition was officially opened on 6 March by President of the Malaysian Medical Association, Dato’ Dr Khoo Kah Lin. Among those present to support the effort were representatives from the two NGOs partnering the One Life Revolution - Malaysian CARE and the Malaysian AIDS Council. The launch was heartily supported by local stars such as World Vision OLR spokesperson Elaine Daly, Miss Malaysia - Deborah Priya Henry, Francesca Peters, Daniel Lee, Juwita Suwito, Bernie Chan, Adam C and Ean from Hitz.fm, Jonathan Putra, veejay twins Teh Choy Wan and May Wan, Amazing Race winners Zabrina Fernandez and Tee Joe Jer.

After Monash, the 140 sq metres exhibit will be taken on a national roadshow beginning with Mid Valley Exhibition Center in Kuala Lumpur (15 – 16 March), the KB Mall in Kota Bharu, Kelantan (10 – 12 April), Sarawak Tourism Complex, Kuching, Sarawak (1 – 4 May). Admission is free.

Further information on OLR can be obtained from World Vision Malaysia at Tel: 03-7880 6414 or from its website www.worldvision.com.my. – By Jasbir Singh