Modern cafes offering various Western menus have become popular among society, reflecting the changes in the lifestyle of the present generation. This trend is not only prevalent in big cities but also at higher learning institutions, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has become a strategic location for café owners to widen their business.

Recently two popular food outlets, He&She and an international chain CU, have opened their new branch at UMT. The presence of these cafes has changed the campus atmosphere, with the cafes offering all kinds of menus to the university community and providing students with employment opportunities as part time crew or barista.

UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim said this is part of the university’s effort in its commitment to create a conducive campus in line with the needs of the present generation.

“The presence of modern cafes on campus not only fulfils the needs of its community but also reflects the latest trend of using cafes as a place for productive meetings and discussions. The relaxed atmosphere offered by these cafes also contributes to the mental wellbeing, making cafes an important part that balance academic and campus life,” he said.

Prof. Zamri said a conducive campus environment is an important element in producing holistic graduates. These cafes are more than just a place to eat, they allow students to learn about new skills such as customer management and entrepreneurship, which are added values that will help them in the work world later.

“By working part time at the cafes, students can gain experience that will help them develop their soft skills such as communication, time management, and problem solving. This is a significant effort in producing graduates who are competitive, multi-talented, and ready to face the ever-changing challenges,” he added.

In addition, the strategic collaboration between UMT and café owners is seen as a smart move to create a win-win situation. In one aspect, students gain benefits from the outside-the-classroom learning opportunity, while in another, café owners can solidify their brand among the young generation technologically literate and active on social media.

“This initiative reflects our commitment in developing a holistic, inclusive campus ecosystem. This is a progressive step for making UMT a university that is responsive towards the current needs, where students are not only excellent in academics but also possess good soft skills,” Prof. Zamri said.

With the presence of modern cafes on campus, UMT continues to strengthen its role as an institution that not only offers quality education but also life experience that is meaningful for its community. The combination of a conducive atmosphere, learning opportunities, and access to all kinds of facilities is key to developing a generation of graduates that are capable and relevant to the industry’s needs.

By:

Amirul Salam Hasan

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu