Kampar, Perak – The Obs'HIV Education Campaign, organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Public Relations final-year project students, successfully took place on 31 March 2026 at Block A Heritage Hall, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus. The event brought together university students, experts, and community members to raise awareness about HIV and challenging the stigma surrounding people living with HIV (PLHIV), particularly among young adults.
The campaign was honoured by the presence of several distinguished guests, including the UTAR Vice President, Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Dr. Lee Lai Meng, and the Head of the Public Relations Department, Cik Bazlin Darina Binti Ahmad Tajudin, alongside invited HIV experts who shared their professional insights.
During the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Choong highlighted the critical role of HIV awareness in combating stigma, explaining that reducing fear and misinformation enables people to seek help, access care, and live with dignity, and that Obs’HIV aims to achieve this by replacing fear with knowledge. While Dr. Lee further emphasised the university's strong support for student-led initiatives within the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Public Relations programme, which enables students to apply practical skills beyond the classroom in promoting social awareness and inclusivity, she stated, "This campaign is a strong example of what a student-led project can achieve."
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of educational and interactive activities. The programme featured expert talks by HIV experts Encik Mohd Redduwan Zairukaperi from The Buddies Society Ipoh and Cik Putri Eizarra Elysa from Pertubuhan Sinar Kasih Perak (PERKASIH), who addressed common misconceptions about HIV, explained current prevention and treatment options, and emphasised the importance of empathy and understanding toward PLHIV.
Cik Putri Eizarra Elysa also emphasised the campaign's purpose, stating, "We are here not to encourage behaviours, but to raise awareness about HIV, as early understanding and preparedness are essential in prevention and reducing stigma." Her insights reinforced the importance of proactive awareness among young adults, equipping them with knowledge to prevent infections and foster empathy toward PLHIV.
In addition, an exhibition area showcased informative materials about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment resources. One of the most striking highlights of the exhibition was a visual installation showing individuals with their mouths covered, symbolising how many people living with HIV feel silenced due to social stigma and discrimination. The installation reflected the reality that stigma often prevents PLHIV from speaking openly about their experiences or seeking support.
Information booths were also set up to provide visitors with educational banners, guidance, and opportunities for students to ask questions in a safe and supportive environment. Interactive activities such as "Free Hug," which encouraged participants to remove stigma labels placed on a person representing PLHIV, and "Voices of Change," where visitors wrote supportive messages, further promoted empathy and awareness.
Through these activities, the Obs'HIV campaign aimed to increase HIV awareness among young adults and foster a more supportive and inclusive environment. The campaign attracted 364 university students, with a pre-test and post-test conducted during the event showing that participants improved their overall knowledge of HIV. All in all, the campaign successfully raised awareness about HIV, challenged the stigma faced by PLHIV, fostered empathy among young adults, and inspired participants to contribute to a more supportive and inclusive university community.
For further media enquiries, members of the press may contact the Obs’HIV organizing committee:
Goh Ming Ket
obshiv.project@gmail.com
013-409 1520
About Obs’HIV:
Obs’HIV is a campus-based HIV education campaign organised by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FAS) Public Relations final-year project students. By combining evidence-based talks, educational exhibitions, and interactive game booths, Obs'HIV aims to increase HIV knowledge, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate, health-seeking behavior among young adults.