fbpx
Connect with us

Announcement

UOW Malaysia KDU Just Created Their New Mascot & It’s The Cutest Thing We’ve Ever Seen!

Published

Aaa Template
Source: UOW Malaysia KDU

THE word ‘mascot’ comes from the French word ‘mascotte’, which means lucky charm.

The word became a part of the English Language in the 19th century with the word over time becoming a label for just about anything that can bring good luck. Today, it is used mostly in reference to any fictional character representing a company, product or service.

 

Why the need for a mascot?

“Creating a mascot is never easy. If you choose the wrong image or symbol, your organization will not benefit at all.”

“It takes a lot of reflection on who you are and translating this into the image you want to represent to the market,” said UOW Malaysia KDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Dr Brian Imrie.

“If you get it right, your mascot will stick in the minds of consumers, with the appearance of your mascot triggering a strong emotional connection with your brand. Mascots introduce simplicity to the interaction between the consumer and the brand, making the company more approachable” said Assoc Prof Imrie.

 

So who or what is UOW Malaysia KDU’s new mascot?

To assist in building an Australian identity amongst members of the UOW Malaysia KDU campus community, UOW Malaysia KDU has sought the assistance of an adorable creature from Australia. “UOW Malaysia KDU is part of the global network of campuses of the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia. So, it’s a natural consequence that we have introduced an ‘Australian’ element,” Assoc Prof Imrie said.

Meet Willis the Wallaby.

Jpeg 01 Willis Story

Wallabies are the little, endearing cousins of the kangaroo, which are so similar to their bigger brethren that some people think wallabies are no more than little kangaroos. But the wallaby is a much more adaptive creature that still shares the main marsupial characteristics of a kangaroo.

34811575561 Ca57B89182 K E1521354169906

There are brush wallabies, rock wallabies, scrub wallabies and quite a few more variants. All of them adapted themselves to the specific geographies of the region that they live in on the Australian continent. “They are a diverse species that are famed in Australia for their adaptability, which makes the wallaby similar in many respects to the global UOW student population,” said Assoc Prof Imrie.

Being ranked in the TOP 1% of universities worldwide makes UOW a popular choice for students from a myriad of cultures, which fortifies UOW’s embrace of diversity and inclusiveness. “That’s what Willis the Wallaby is all about. From the casual, dark blue bandana around his neck down to his playful countenance, Willis is all about celebrating the diversity of life, adapting to and embracing difference as a strength,” said Assoc Prof Imrie.

 

Who’s the creator behind Willis the Wallaby?

20210406 171044

The creator of Willis adds another layer to UOW Malaysia KDU’s embrace of diversity.

Selina Ooi, the campus’ graphic artist, is hearing impaired but rises above her personal challenges, with her strokes of the pen making her an indispensable member of the campus community.

“I’m thrilled that Willis, the first mascot of UOW Malaysia KDU has been created! I believe this is an excellent move. Besides being a mascot, Willis will also be able to make some sign language awareness to the public as Willis will be using some sign language in the animated social media postings and stickers that I will be making! This can be fun for the public to be exposed to sign language! For example, Willis will say “thank you” in sign language,” said Selina Ooi.

She not only is a talented graphic designer, but is a strong advocate for the hearing impaired community regularly composing blogs to share the challenges, and celebrate the achievements, of those in the community. “We are proud having Selina in the team and even happier that her artistic abilities gave birth to Willis,” said Assoc Prof Imrie.

Willis the wallaby is portrayed as cheeky, but nerdy, with a love for books, new friends and fun events.

He is not alone. Willis’ friends at other UOW global campuses include Baxter the Duck in UOW Australia and Woolly the Kangaroo in UOW Dubai. “You’ll soon be seeing a lot more of Willis and his antics, as he embarks on his many adventures across Malaysia,” said Assoc Prof Imrie.

Are you excited to see Willis come to life? We know we are!

 

Also read: Students From UOW Malaysia KDU Dominate in Prestigious SEA Games Awards & We’re SO PROUD!

Feat 1

Source: Culture Trip



Just In

My Post 3 2024 03 19T163126.615 My Post 3 2024 03 19T163126.615
News2 hours ago

“Is that a threat?” – Rafizi Ramli Bashed for Telling M’sians to Register for PADU or Lose Out on Govt Aid

It’s no secret that the government is doing their best to encourage all Malaysians to register for the Central Database...

Collage 3 8 Collage 3 8
News4 hours ago

44 Malaysian Tourists Allegedly Get Robbed by Tour Guide in India, Lose RM2K & 10 Pound Thali Chain

While the idea of travelling to a foreign country is exciting, it does come with its fair share of petty...

Collage 64 Collage 64
News7 hours ago

PKNS Files Police Report Over Fake News Claiming its 47yo Complex is Getting Demolished for New Condo

Does being developed mean more abolishment of old buildings to make way for new ones? Rumour has it that PKNS...

My Post 1 2024 03 19T103023.733 My Post 1 2024 03 19T103023.733
News9 hours ago

Melaka Introduces Cycling Paramedics that Provide First Aid Before Ambulances Arrive

We’ve been seeing multiple efforts from Melaka to improve their quality of living with the most recent being the introduction...

Collage 1 7 Collage 1 7
News9 hours ago

Kuantan Police Conducts Operation ‘Ops Samseng’ & Catches Man in Dinosaur Onesie for Speeding

People want to get where they’re going quickly. So if you exceed the speed limit by just a few miles...

Feat Image New Zealand Feat Image New Zealand
News1 day ago

New Zealand Tourists Assault Phuket Policeman & Snatch His Gun After Violating Traffic Rules, Get Arrested

A shocking incident took place in Phuket, Thailand on Saturday (16 March) involving 2 foreign tourists and a local policeman....

Feat Image Google Apology Feat Image Google Apology
News1 day ago

“For informational purposes only” – Google M’sia Apologises for USD1 = RM4.98 Error, Says Issue Now Resolved

Some 3 days after the inaccurate United States Dollar (USD) to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) exchange rate published by Google Finance...

My Post 3 2024 03 18T153531.525 My Post 3 2024 03 18T153531.525
News1 day ago

Duyong ADUN Advices National Schools to Find Companies to Invest in Their Halls Like Chinese Schools

There’s once again a debate going on on social media, mainly Twitter, where people are discussing the pros and cons...

Announcement

Latest Videos

TRENDING TODAY