Hotel holds contest to promote unity among its staff

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NUR Ashikin Mohd Hata may be deaf and dumb but when it comes to creativity, she certainly is gifted.

The mother of one was the centre of attraction at a kolam-designing competition organised by her employer Klana Resort, Seremban in conjunction with Deepavali.

Nur Ashikin 31, who has been working as an assistant artist at the resort for the past eight years teamed up with Siti Rohayu Mohamad, 30, from the pastry kitchen department to come up with the winning peacock and floral design.

Hotel guests who stopped to watch the competitors at work at the resort’s foyer were fascinated with the duo’s work.

Colourful: Some of the winning designs at the kolam-making competition.

“We took a week to research for a design. We looked at many designs related to Deepavali and then came up with our own,” said Siti Rohayu who has been working at the resort for 11 years.

Siti Rohayu said this was the first time she had participated in a kolam-making competition and was proud to come out tops.

“However, I am glad that I had a partner in Nur Ashikin as she had competed in several such events before,” she said.

Klana resort general manager Shamsul Kahar Ahmad said apart from celebrating Deepavali, the event was held to promote unity among its staff.

Winners: Siti Rohayu (left) and Nur Ashikin completing their kolam design.

“In previous years we got the staff to produce a big kolam but we decided to have a competition this year.

“This is a test of creativity, planning and time management. I must say the competitors had come up with beautiful designs,” he said, adding that the event was also aimed at promoting teamwork and camaraderie among the resort’s employees.

The participants were given two hours to produce their designs.

Shamsul Kahar said the hotel also provided the participants with an ample supply of coloured rice and oil lamps to enable them to come up with their designs.

The top prize winners were given hotel stays, hampers as well as meal vouchers.

The others were also given vouchers and goodie bags.