Kuala Nerus, 21 July 2024- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) today welcomed two students who are national athletes representing the country in netball and archery.

Nur Azra Azmi, 18, and Mia Tifal Noor Afendy, 17, both registered as students of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Foundation.

Nur Azra, who hails from Kelantan, was grateful for the opportunity to study at UMT as she has a deep interest in science. She believed she made the right choice as UMT is known to be a leader in STEM.

She added that she will use her experience as a national athlete to help UMT in the sports of netball. The athlete who plays defense said her talent in the sports was discovered while she was in a primary school.

When she was attending the Sports School, she was able to balance her time between sports and study. She hoped that she can do likewise at UMT, even more efficiently.

As for Mia Tifal, who hails from Penang, it was not easy for her to decide to join STEM Foundation as she was not from pure science stream when she was in secondary school.

However, motivated by her deep interest in science, she took the opportunity offered by UMT, which reserves a quota for non-science students to join its STEM Foundation.

“Thank you UMT for this opportunity, and InsyaAllah, I will do my best to achieve my ambition.”

The national archeress added that she will use her archery talent to help UMT in achery sports, and she is willing to share her skills with other students interested in the sports.

In addition to the two athletes, UMT also welcomed three Orang Asli students to the programme.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, said the addition of the two athletes is considered as an added value to UMT in the context of the said sports.

“I hope the new students will be able to benefit from the orientation programme Minggu Jalinan Mesra (MJM) and learn more about what is available on campus and be ready to become competitive students.

“The atmosphere at school and at university are different. Therefore, students need to be able to adapt to the campus environment. In the context of student development and empowerment, we encourage new students to become active in co-curricular activities as these can mould them to become great human beings with great mind and character.

“In addition, at HEPA, we always ensure that students’ welfare and wellbeing are taken care of. HEPA offers financial aids and also Job on Campus (JOC) for them to generate income.

The registration process today, using a drive-thru method, proceeded smoothly with help from staff and volunteers.

UMT welcomed a total of 416 students for the 2024/205 session, 337 for STEM Foundation and 79 for the Diploma in Fisheries programme.

Since its establishment, UMT’s STEM Foundation has imparted knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to it students during their one year with the programme.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu