Returning to one’s roots, 20 UMPSA alumni staff reunite on campus for ALAM@UMPSA 2025 programme

PEKAN, 27 February 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) welcomed 20 alumni staff, comprising former Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Directors, and administrative staff who have contributed their services to the university.

Among those present were UMPSA’s third Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Sri Dr. Daing Nasir Ibrahim; the fifth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin; the first Deputy Rector and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Emeritus Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mortaza Mohamed; former Registrar, Dato’ Haji Saudi Haji Ahmad; Datin Sri Fazia Ali; and other honoured guests.

The Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias, warmly welcomed the alumni and expressed her deep emotions and gratitude for the opportunity to meet individuals who have played a vital role in the university’s development.

“Without the sacrifices, dedication, and contributions, it would have been impossible for this university to stand strong as it does today.

“Every moment you spent, every effort you exerted, and every idea you contributed has left a lasting impact on the university’s growth.

“You are not just former staff and retirees; you are a living legacy that continues to inspire us all,” she said.

As part of the event, a reforestation activity was conducted at the 6.7-acre Rimba Komuniti site, where 60 saplings of various forest tree species were planted.

Among the tree species planted were Meranti Tembaga, Keruing Kertas, Balau Pasir, Keladan, Merbau, Cengal, Kulim, and Petai, carefully selected to suit the local environment and soil conditions.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, and Registrar, Dato’ Saiful Bahari Ahmad Bakarim.

This first-ever programme was organised to reconnect retirees and former staff with UMPSA while strengthening bonds and celebrating the 23rd Anniversary of UMPSA.

Additionally, this initiative aligns with UMPSA’s Campus Greening Initiative, supporting the 100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, which began in 2021 and runs until 2025.

The campaign aims to ensure at least 50% of Malaysia’s land area remains forested and covered with trees, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 15: Life on Land).

During the programme, participants were also taken on a tour of the Pekan Campus, where they were briefed on recent developments in campus infrastructure.

Key locations visited included Rimba Lestari, the Solar Panel System, and the UMPSA Mosque.

The event, jointly organised by the Centre for Industry and Community Linkages (ICoN), the Chancellery Department, the Registrar’s Department, and the Centre for Property Development and Management, successfully created cherished memories, strengthening the bonds among all attendees in line with the programme’s theme, One Tree, A Thousand Memories.

By: Siti Nur Azwin Zulkapri, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, UMPSA Press