By Wan Muhammad Khairi Wan Zamzuri, Munirah Mansor, Muhammad Hisyamuddin Sazali, Centre for Student Development and Empowerment (HEPA)

To fulfil the university’s aspiration to nurture a spirit of mutual assistance, social responsibility, and a culture of service among students, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) recently invited a respected figure in the field of volunteerism to deliver a special talk.

Dr. Wan Ahmad Hazman Wan Daud, Executive Director of Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), shared his insights and experiences at the fourth edition of the Syarahan Awam Kebitaraan Mahasiswa, themed Volunteerism as a Catalyst for Student Empowerment and Humanity.

The event organised by the Centre for Student Development and Empowerment (PPPM), under the Division of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA), drew over 150 participants, comprising YSS alumni, members of the Student Representative Council, volunteers from the Combined Student Volunteer Clubs (GASS), UMT staff, and students from various faculties.

Dr. Wan Hazman, who is also a Board Member of The International Forum for Volunteering in Development (FORUM), shared his insights and extensive experiences in involving students in volunteer missions both locally and abroad. He explained how such experiences serve as a catalyst for shaping leadership character and empathy among the younger generation.

“There is no perfect time to start,” he said. “Volunteerism is not merely an extracurricular activity; it is a manifestation of humanitarian values and a courageous act of giving meaning to the lives of others. A volunteer is a true leader, for their actions inspire, empower, and humanise society.”

Volunteerism has the potential to instil in students the values of gratitude and contentment in life, ultimately shaping them into responsible citizens, he said.

Students can derive many life lessons from the activities, including character development, grassroot leadership, and social awareness, he added.

The lecture held at UMT’s Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library was officiated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain. In his speech, he asserted “Volunteerism is a form of out-of-classroom education that builds resilience, empathy, emotional maturity and leadership capacity. Students who are actively involved in this field are proven to be better prepared to become future leaders with strong morals and integrity.”

Several enriching activities were also held, including humanitarian mission sharing sessions by alumni of MASKUM, HADR, and YSS missions; volunteerism poster competitions and exhibitions; as well as interaction and poster pitching sessions by volunteers to invited guests.

Programme Director, Munirah Mansor, said this initiative reflected PPPM’s continuous effort to holistically empower students. This programme was also in line with the 7 Strategic Pillars of the “Mahasiswa Idaman” Vision and in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education, reducing inequalities and building just and accountable institutions.