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ALL SMILES (From left): Head of the A-Level Academy Dr Nalina AP Thurairajah and the director of the University¡¯s Centre of Pre-University Studies Ms Mabel Tan posing for the camera with other lecturers and guests at the ball.

A GIVING HEART: Head of the A-Level Academy Dr Nalina AP Thurairajah (second from right) posing with the donated gifts together with SALSA students and staff of a shelter home.

LIVELY PERFORMANCE: Students in the midst of a performance during the ball.

ENGAGING TALK: Director of the University¡¯s Centre of Pre-University Studies Ms Mabel Tan in the midst of her welcome speech to guests during the ball.

KUALA LUMPUR: In early December, ÎåÒ»³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø University¡¯s School of A-level Students¡¯ Association (SALSA) held their year-end gathering themed ¡°Garden*Christmas Ball ¨C an affair like no other.¡± 

A total of 101 students and lecturers gathered at the University¡¯s very own Le Quadri Ballroom for an evening of relaxation and fun. 

The event kicked off with warm welcome speeches ¨C from director of the University¡¯s Centre of Pre-University Studies Ms Mabel Tan and SALSA president Ms Yolande Lai ¨C before moving on to a sumptuous buffet spread.

From the ¡®oohs and aahs¡¯ going around, it was clear that the buffet was a gustatory extravaganza that enriched the taste buds of all, encompassing a variety of flavourful food to choose from. 

During their meal, guests were also able to enjoy live band performances, singing performances and Christmas carolling by A-Level students. 

All guests were surprised with the lucky draw and game prizes ¨C such as McDonald vouchers and Starbucks cards ¨C and our very lucky Chemistry lecturer, Mr Tai Kon Yew, managed to bag the grand prize for the lucky draw and walked away with RM100 Jusco cash vouchers. 

Lecturers Mr Tan Kim Leng and Ms Joey Kong were also crowned Best Dressed King and Queen, respectively, and added much to the sparks of fun. 

¡°Christmas is a season of sharing our joy with others and all of us should always remember the less fortunate in the midst of enjoying ourselves,¡± said Ms Lai. 

As part of SALSA¡¯s efforts to contribute to the community, all proceeds from the event and gifts bought by the guests were donated to Rumah Titian Kaseh and Shelter Home for Children, with 87 children and 30 children in their care, respectively. 

Almost one week after the ball, on Dec 17, 2012, a group comprising three SALSA student representatives and two lecturers paid a visit to both shelter homes which house children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned by their families, parents or guardians. 

The list of items that were donated included Christmas presents, groceries, household items and a cash donation worth RM1,100 in total. 

The children welcomed the visitors with wide smiles on their faces and it was indeed a heartwarming atmosphere as both students and lecturers alike mingled with the children. 

The staff at the two shelter homes also provided house tours to the guests, giving them brief explanations and showing them how children are protected and cared for there. 

Separately, we are just individuals. But if we join efforts, together we can make a difference in the community and have fun doing it. 

With over 150 members, SALSA will continue to organise more community and charity-themed campaigns to instil good moral values among A-level students.