KUALA TERENGGANU, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The struggles faced by two soon-to-be Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) students received special attention when the university’s top management personally delivered admission offer letters along with financial aid to ensure their determination to pursue education remains intact.

During the visit, focus was given to Nur Nabilah Abdul Rahim, who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture with Honours at UMT’s Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences.

She recently lost both her parents in a capsized boat tragedy in the waters off Marang on 31 August. As the third of six siblings, Nur Nabilah now bears the heavy responsibility of continuing life without parental support.

Another recipient is Farzana Nur Shakilla, who will be pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling with Honours at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Development. Farzana, the eldest of four siblings, lives with her single mother who is unable to work due to health issues. The family survives on a monthly allowance of RM150 from an aunt, while their house rent is covered by a welfare organisation.

Recognising the severe challenges they face, UMT extended immediate assistance, including RM200 in enrolment fees through the Bingkas Kasih HEPA initiative, Zakat Al-Amin aid via UMT’s Ihsan Centre, and basic necessities worth RM100. Both students also received RM1,000 in Early Education Assistance from Yayasan Perkasa Siswa KPT and RM500 under Demasiswa Al-Ikhlas, easing their families’ financial burdens.

They also qualify for full tuition sponsorship throughout their studies under the SULUNG programme, an initiative by the Ministry of Higher Education that benefits first-born students from underprivileged families. To date, around 120 UMT students have benefitted from SULUNG since its introduction about three years ago.

UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said the special visit was more than just handing over offer letters, but it was a symbol of solidarity and compassion from the university towards the nation’s youth who hope to transform their lives through education.

“UMT believes that every student deserves the chance to study despite life’s hardships. Our presence in their homes is a sign that they are not alone. The university will always stand behind them, ensuring they achieve their dreams,” he said.

For Nur Nabilah, the chance to pursue her studies at UMT is a ray of hope for herself and her siblings.

“I believe education is the path for me and my siblings to rise above hardship. Although losing my parents is deeply painful, I will regard my studies at UMT as their final trust for me to succeed,” she said with determination.

Farzana, too, acknowledged that the support she received has strengthened her resolve to chase her dreams.

“I want to prove that hardship is not a barrier to success. I aspire to become a counsellor who can help others, just as I have been helped today. Thank you to UMT for coming not only as a university, but also as a warm and caring family,” she said.

The visit highlighted UMT’s commitment as a higher education institution that not only strives for global excellence in academics and research but also embraces noble aspirations in shaping the future of the nation’s next generation.

With the support of UMT and various stakeholders, Nur Nabilah and Farzana are now set to embark on their university journey with renewed determination, carrying with them their families’ hopes and the promise to prove that education can transform lives for the better.

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu