Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has further solidified its role as a higher learning institution that cares about the welfare of its students, especially those from low-income families.

Through its Office of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA), UMT has launched a special initiative called Bingkas Kasih Programme.  

The noble initiative is intended to help new students from the B40 category realize their dream of continuing their study at the tertiary level.

The program is in line with UMT’s aspiration of being a university that leads the way in the field of marine science and aquatic resources while not abandoning the humanitarian aspects especially in terms of providing support for students with financial difficulties. With international-level research and excellent academic programmes, UMT ensures that students from various background are given the same opportunity to achieve success.

“Alhamdulillah, today we are able to help students in need through the Bingkas Kasih initiative, which is a noble effort from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu to help students from low-income families. It is hoped that the provision of financial aid and basic necessities will lessen the burden of the students and their families and motivate them to work harder to achieve academic excellence. Remember, education is the best way to change the fate of our lives. UMT is forever committed to ensuring no students are left behind and we always provide the support for the students to reach success,” said UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim during the Bingkas Kasih visit session recently.

Also in attendance at the programme were UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, HEPA Administration Head Fadli Mamat, and HEPA officers.

Meanwhile, one of the students benefitting from the Bingkas Kasih programme, Hanisah Suryadi, 19, from the Bachelor of Environmental Technology, expressed her gratefulness for the assistance provided by UMT.

“Thank you to UMT’s management for the support and assistance given to me, which has made me more motivated to study hard at the university to change my family’s fate”

She said her family large family lives in the city and requires big expenses, and this has resulted in the family facing a serious financial challenge.

“Both of my parents no longer work due to their old age and my three siblings still go to school, and this has caused additional stress to our family”.

Commenting further, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri also emphasized the importance of students being involved in a number of activities on campus to develop their potentials.

“Bingkai Kasih not only offers financial assistance but also provides moral support to students in need. The support comes in the forms of aids such as scholarship, Student Aid Fund, and Special Living Allowance that have long been practiced at UMT”.

The proactive measure reflects UMT’s commitment in responding to the call by Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, who has urged higher education institutions to ensure that students from the B40 category and the asnaf category are not left behind in terms of having access into a university.

The Bingkas Kasih programme is in line with the aim of the Yayasan Perkasa Siswa that was launched by the Ministry of Higher Education early September.

At the same time, UMT continues to maintain its reputation as being a leading research institution in the East coast while prioritizing the students’ welfare and excellence, not only developing their academic minds but also helping them to face the challenges in their daily lives.

Indirectly this has made UMT not only a university but also an institution that is committed towards the future development of the next generation especially those from the less-privileged families.

Prof. Zamir said that with the support and cooperation from all parties UMT works to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed, thus allowing it to realize its vision of being a leader in research and education at the global arena.

Prepared by:

Amirul Salam Hasan

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu