The Division of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to drive a transformative and integrated approach to student development, guided by the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, competitive graduates of strong character and leadership. Through values-based planning and strategic execution, HEPA plays a central role in realising the university’s student empowerment goals under the broader framework of UMT’s Strategic Plan.

Also, through the notion of Mahasiswa IDAMAN, HEPA has redefined student success beyond academic performance, embracing a more holistic, future-oriented profile of excellence. This approach has significantly enhanced the university’s visibility in national development narratives, particularly in volunteerism, sustainability, and student leadership.

HEPA successfully organized the Anugerah Ikon Siswa UMT 2024, a prestigious platform that recognized outstanding students in areas such as leadership, volunteerism, innovation, and cultural impact. More than just awards, this initiative cultivated a culture of appreciation and motivation within the student body, reinforcing UMT’s commitment to developing talents that align with both national aspirations and global standards.

UMT’s role in environmental and youth leadership was highlighted through its hosting of the ESG Global Young Leaders Summit 2024, held from 22 to 25 August. Organised by HEPA, the summit gathered 200 student leaders from local and international universities under the theme “Nurturing Future Leaders for Ocean and Environmental Stewardship.” With support from the Ministry of Higher Education and strategic partners, the programme produced a student-led ESG resolution to be submitted to national stakeholders, thereby positioning UMT as a convener of sustainability discourse and an incubator of globally engaged, environmentally conscious youth leaders.

In its commitment to community engagement, HEPA implemented two impactful outreach programmes: Eratkan Kasih, Santuni Insan 2025 and Santuni Insan: Anak Harapan MADANI 2025. The first, conducted in Kuala Lumpur during Ramadan, included food and clothing distribution to the homeless and received national attention via BERNAMA TV. The second brought 25 underprivileged children from urban shelters to UMT for a four-day university immersion experience. Activities included academic exposure, motivational talks, marine education, and cultural integration. Both programmes embodied the values of Malaysia MADANI and reflected UMT’s mission to instill empathy, compassion and civic responsibility among its students.

In support of graduate employability, UMT recorded an impressive 94.0% graduate employment rate, a result of HEPA’s sustained commitment to preparing students for real-world challenges through soft skills training, industry engagement, and personal

development initiatives. Entrepreneurial leadership was further nurtured through the establishment of Serambi Niaga, a dynamic entrepreneurial hub located within UMT residential colleges. Inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education on 16 November 2024, Serambi Niaga functions as a practical “living lab” where students are encouraged to explore business ventures such as stingless bee farming, aquaponics, fertigation, and sustainable agriculture. This initiative supports national efforts to create entrepreneurial graduates and also transforms student living spaces into active platforms for innovation and applied learning.

HEPA also advanced efforts to enhance student wellbeing through the strengthening of UMT’s Student Wellbeing Index (Indeks Kesejahteraan Pelajar). The overall wellbeing score increased from 81% in Phase 1 to 84.57% in Phase 2. These results were driven by ongoing campus mental health initiatives, wellness screenings, and support mechanisms. In fostering alumni relations, UMT now proudly counts a total of 44,378 alumni across various fields. More meaningfully, 328 of these alumni have returned to serve the university as lecturers, researchers, administrative officers, technicians, and support staff, reflecting a strong sense of loyalty and institutional pride.

Collectively, these initiatives reflect HEPA’s strategic and meaningful contribution to UMT’s institutional excellence. Through thoughtful planning, values integration and high-impact student programming, HEPA continues to elevate the quality and visibility of student development. As UMT moves forward, HEPA remains unwavering in its mission to nurture Mahasiswa Idaman graduates who are intellectually resilient, socially responsible, and equipped to lead with vision and purpose.