Kuala Nerus, 16 November 2024 – As part of the annual tradition, UMT Student Icon Award Ceremony (AIS) for 2024 was held today at UMT’s Sultan Mizan Hall. The event aimed to recognize UMT’s best students who have demonstrated holistic excellence. Carrying the theme Recognizing Talents, Charting Excellence, AIS 2024 paid tribute to students who have greatly contributed in various aspects of campuls life.

Hosted by the Centre for Student Development and Empowerment (PPPM), AIS UMT 2024 presented 16 awards for five clusters, namely Student Leadership, Social Development, Volunteerism, Academic Development, and Special Team. In addition, three main awards were also presented, which were HEPA Deputy Vice Chancellor BINGKAS Award, Vice Chancellor U&Me Together Award, and Student Icon Award 2024.

AIS UMT 2024 was officiated by Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of Higher Education. He also presented the one of the main awards, the UMT Student Icon Award 2024.

The HEPA Deputy Vice Chancellor BINGKAS Award was presented to Alina D/O Pannirselvam, who directed the Newcasting and Hosting Competition 2.0 and Nautical Industry and Community Engagement 2024 programmes. She was recognized for her excellent leadership and involvement in various high-impact public speaking programmes.  

The Vice Chancellor U&Me Together Award was presented to the Baratham Cultural Club that successfully organized the Natyamela 7.0: Aazhi The Splash of Rhythm programme at the international level and the Lahara: The Tidal Tales of Triumph programme at the national level. The recognitions was given for the club’s contribution in promoting the various Malaysian cultures and making UMT more visible at the world’s arena.

The UMT Student Icon Award 2024 was presented to Muhammad Aqasha Mukris Zainuri. During his time as a student, he has served as Vice President of Residential College Representative Committee for the 2023/2024 session, been actively involved as a student entreprenuership through his barbershop Tentrem Jiwo at the residential college, and directed a special student programme in Surabaya, Indonesia. He has also been selected to represent UMT at the Global Student Leadership Summit 2024 in Turkey, making him a role model in the field of student leadership and entreprenuership at the global level.

AIS UMT 2024 also witnessed the launching of the Bingkas Talent Module and Student Micro Credit Programme Guidelines, which will be used as references for UMT students’ leadership and entrepreneurship development. The module and the guidelines will play an important role in developing students who are more competent and competitive at the global level.

It is hoped that AIS UMT 2024, which received sponsorship from Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS) and Pamin Construction Sdn. Bhd., will inspire UMT students to achieve excellence in various fields and help solidy UMT’s image as a renowned university in Malaysia.