Kuala Nerus, 31 May 2025 – A total of 25 children from Form 3 to Form 5, all from homeless families, were given the opportunity to experience university life through the Santuni Insan, Anak Harapan Madani Programme, a special initiative organised by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

This four-day programme aimed to provide early exposure to the importance of higher education and to foster the spirit of pursuing dreams through knowledge, despite the challenges of their backgrounds. This specially designed initiative is a continuation of the Eratkan Kasih, Santuni Insan 2025 programme held in Kuala Lumpur during the previous Ramadan.

Santuni Insan, Anak Harapan Madani is a collaborative effort between the Office of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA),  UMT, Student Representative Council (MPP), UMT, and the Jejak Jalanan Organisation, with full support from Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS), Ministry of Higher Education (KPT).

Among the engaging activities were exposure to further study opportunities at UMT and tours of key campus facilities such as the UMT Library. Participants also had the opportunity  to engage in fertigation, aquaponics, and stingless bee entrepreneurship (kelulutpreneur) projects at Serambi Niaga, along with visits to the Aquatrop Hatchery, laboratories, and faculties. Participants attended lectures and practical sessions with lecturers, giving them a clear insight into student life at university.

UMT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Professor Dr Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, described the programme as part of the university’s commitment to empowering communities through education and a key HEPA initiative to produce graduates who are service-oriented, independent, and highly empathetic in their roles to develop communities. This aligns closely with the core values of Malaysia MADANI, which emphasise compassion among others.

“The programme demonstrates that a university is not merely a place for learning but also a catalyst for social change. We want these children to know that they too deserve to dream and can achieve success. This initiative is also in line with the recent statement by the Minister of Higher Education, YB Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry bin Abdul Kadir, affirming Malaysia’s inclusive policy and equitable access to education for all Malaysians, including underprivileged groups,” he said.

The Best Male Participant, Darwish Haiqal bin Noor Azan, a Form Five student, expressed his gratitude for the experience he gained.

“I’m really happy to have joined this programme. I want to study hard and hope to continue my studies at university, especially at UMT,” he said enthusiastically.

This inaugural programme was further enlivened by the active involvement of the Gabungan Sukarelawan Siswa (GASS) and Muslim Youth Volunteers (MYV), UMT, whose members served as facilitators and mentors, playing a vital role in providing moral support and motivation to the participants throughout the event.

The implementation of  this programme in partnership with strategic collaborators is hoped to inspire and open doors for underprivileged children to build a brighter future through education and equal opportunities.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)

1 June 2025