As part of its agenda to empower student leadership, UMT’s Office of Student Affairs and Alumni (HEPA) has recently held a special workshop for current presidents and supreme councils of UMT clubs and societies.

HEPA’s Centre for Student Development and Empowerment held the Organizational Strengthening Workshop with the objective of enhancing student leaders’ understanding of organizational management, financial governance, leadership integrity, and the development of collaborative networks.

According to UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, organizing the workshop is part of the university’s continuous commitment to developing student leadership in a holistic manner.

“Clubs and societies are key platforms for the development of students’ leadership, communication skills, and integrity,” said Professor Izani in his speech during the opening ceremony of the workshop. “Through this workshop, UMT provided systematic exposure to student leaders so that they are able to manage organizations professionally, transparently, and with high impact.”

During the workshop conducted in phases from 8 – 12 December, presidents and supreme council members of UMT clubs and societies for the 2025-2026 session participated in various strategic modules, including programme management procedures, organizational financial management, core leadership integrity, meeting management, university official ethics and protocol, as well as event management.

The phased training approach provided participants with the opportunity to understand leadership roles holistically, not only from a technical perspective but also in terms of values formation and personal identity.

In addition, team-building and situational leadership activities conducted at UMT’s Bukit Kor campus on the final day of the workshop has had a significant impact on the participants by strengthening trust, effective communication, and decision-making abilities under pressure.

President of UMT Student Representative Council for the 2025 – 2026 session, Wan Darwisy Khazin Wan Ahmad Rosddy, said the workshop has served as an important platform in aligning the direction of student leadership to be more structured and impactful.

“This workshop has provided clear exposure to club and society leaders regarding their true responsibilities as student leaders,” he said. “It has helped us understand the need for good governance, integrity-driven management, and the importance of planning programmes that deliver tangible benefits and meaningful impact to UMT students.”

Overall, the workshop has successfully achieved its objectives, demonstrating an increase in participants’ understanding, readiness, and confidence to lead student organizations with credibility, integrity, and high impact.

In a broader context, the organizing of the workshop reflects UMT’s ongoing efforts to empower students as future leaders who are not only active on campus but are also capable of contributing meaningfully to society and the nation.

UMT remains committed to ensuring that student leadership development is implemented systematically, in phases, and in alignment with the university’s aspirations as well as the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education).

By  Munirah Mansor, Student Development and Empowerment Center