International students residing in Malaysia during the MCO faced barriers carrying out financial transactions from their home countries, some of which faced stricter lockdown policies. These students were unable to receive funds in a timely manner from their parents to support daily living expenses. Under such circumstances, the International Office saw the need to set up an emergency donation fund to aid students who sought immediate financial assistance. The IO team, in close contact with Sunway Monash Residence staff, leveraged on existing online financial platforms, to promote contactless delivery and enable timely transfer of funds to international students in need.

One of the recipients of the contactless emergency aid was Partson Mukungurutse a student from Zambia. Below is an email from his father, Pearson Mukungurutse.

Prior to the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO), the Sunway Education Group International Office Student Welfare assembled ‘Quarantine Kits’ for students who were required to undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon entering Malaysia. The team worked together with Sunway Monash Residence to ensure Sunway students were well taken care of during their quarantine period and had sufficient supplies. Students undertook self-quarantine in their own residential units.

Quarantine Kits prepared by Sunway Educational Group International Office, in collaboration with Sunway Monash Residence

A Sunway student receiving one of the Quarantine Kits

Adhering to the Ministry of Health’s regulations, the International Office and Sunway Monash Residence staff jointly administered a quarantine self-assessment form for risk of COVID-19. This form, required by the Ministry of Health, had students under self-quarantine record temperature and any symptoms on a daily basis in the morning, afternoon and evening.

The Quarantine Kits included a variety of dry provisions to tide students over the 14 days, including hot beverage sachet packets and oats biscuits. These bags were delivered to students from Vietnam, China and Japan.