It has been more than one and a half years since COVID-19 turned our lives upside down. Even as it gradually becomes the ‘new norm’, we still have to admit that some events have been greatly disrupted.
However, thanks to technological advancement, we are able to regain a form of normality, albeit virtually. Here are five events that have gone to the screen without us feeling (too) weird about it.
1. Weddings
A wedding is the most sacred moment for every couple, where family and friends witness the merging of two families into one. Scenes of walking down the aisle in a beautiful gown accompanied with the beaming faces and applause of attendees are what most girls dream of.
However, with the onset of COVID-19, many couples have been forced to either postpone their big day or do it virtually with friends and relatives watching the ceremony via platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Live, etc.
2. Concerts
Concerts and music festivals are meant to be crowded and loud. After all, what’s a concert without the deafening screams and cheers of fans?
Fast forward to 2021, concerts have now gone online as fans have to resort to watching their favourite singer from their computer screens. Despite the lack of a ‘close and personal’ experience, we can all agree that online concerts have done little to dampen our love for music.
3. Graduation Ceremony
If you were to ask any university student, the one thing on their bucket list would be walking up the stage to receive their degrees as their proud parents look on. But as we all know, the pandemic has rendered it impossible for now.
Thankfully, universities have come up with ingenious ways of holding graduation ceremonies safely by either live-streaming the event or using AI robots to receive the degrees with the student’s face attached to it.
4. Career Fair
Remember visiting booth to booth interacting with people from different companies while determining your future career?
Although it has gone online, participants are still able to scout for potential jobs as companies now meet up with all potential recruits through video conferences or webcasts.
5. Marathon
Running with a massive amount of people has always been an outdoor thing. Not only is it healthy, but it also allows you to meet new friends.
However, due to social distancing, we now have to “run” indoors by using a fitness application or taking part in online fitness classes.
The Japanese Clubs of University Technology Malaysia (KL & JB) are holding a virtual charity run titled ‘Run for Hope 2021’. The event aims to promote healthy activities during the pandemic and help those in need by raising funds for SESO Malaysia, a non-profit enterprise.
SESO, which stands for ‘Save Environment, Save Ourselves‘, aims to combat food waste and food poverty by spreading awareness and spearheading projects among the community, especially among those suffering from social isolation.
SESO Malaysia also serves the community by providing communal meals to people of different cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds in a dignified and welcoming environment. By doing so, they hope to give guests and volunteers an opportunity to make friends and forge connections.
By joining Run for Hope 2021, not only do you improve your health, but you can also help those who are unable to have full meals. The event has 60 early bird registration slots that come with an RM5 discount on a first-come, first-serve basis. As for regular registrations, it costs only RM40.
All you need to do is to run 5km from September 1 to September 15 on the ‘Move On’ platform. You are also entitled to a T-shirt, medal, lanyard, e-bib, and an additional e-certificate if you successfully complete the run.
Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity! Registration is ongoing until September 10 so be sure to register here!
For more information, check out Run For Hope 2021’s FB page & IG page.
Cover Images via Soompi & Business – Insider
Author: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
