UMPSA VC Inspires Students to Enter University through Study@UMPSA

TAUN GUSI, KOTA BELUD, 2 May 2025 – A total of 130 Form 4, 5, and 6 students took part in the Titipan Hasrat programme with the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias. 

The event was held at the hall of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taun Gusi, Sabah, in conjunction with the Kembara Lestari@Negeri di Bawah Bayu 3.0 programme.

In her address, Professor Dr. Yatimah encouraged the students to pursue higher education.

“Students can look up to Amilda Budi, an alumna of SMK Taun Gusi who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management at UMPSA,” she said.

After completing her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Amilda continued her studies at diploma level at a polytechnic and later progressed to UMPSA.

Professor Dr. Yatimah also expressed appreciation to the Yayasan UMPSA Squad for organising Kembara Lestari@Negeri di Bawah Bayu 3.0 at the school, which featured various activities such as STEM engagement and motivational sessions.

She noted that the presence of the Yayasan UMPSA Squad offered valuable opportunities to engage directly with students.

“This programme also serves as a platform to share information about the academic programmes offered by UMPSA. 

“UMPSA is a public university with a strong focus on engineering and technology, and offers high-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. 

“There are ample opportunities for students to further their studies,” she added, urging them to take the initiative to learn more about UMPSA.

“I hope all of you will begin thinking seriously about your future education pathway, whether at UMPSA or at other universities in Malaysia.”

She also announced the upcoming launch of the TVET BORNEO Offshore Programme, a collaborative effort to expand opportunities for students in Sabah. The programme, a partnership with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), will allow Kolej Vokasional (KV) graduates to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree at UMPSA.

As part of the initiative, 50 selected students received scientific calculators. Additionally, a dedicated study preparation room was refurbished at SMK Taun Gusi and named Study@UMPSA, with the aim of inspiring and motivating students to set their sights on university life from an early stage.

The programme also benefited 300 students through the Inspire Programme, enhanced with exposure to STEM projects and the innovative Street Science approach. 

This initiative aims to lay a strong foundation in academic excellence, innovation, and leadership at both national and global levels.

Yayasan UMPSA also introduced the Kembara Lestari initiative, formerly known as Kembara Prihatin, with the aim of promoting the UMPSA brand within local communities. 

In addition, the programme fosters community development and extends support to those in need through various activities across clusters such as technology, community service, education, sustainability, spirituality, culture, and aid.

These efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The programme also involved student volunteers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Kolej Teknologi Yayasan Sabah (KTYS).

By: Nor Salwana Mohamad Idris, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Nur Ezzati Binti Mohd Nasir, Centre for Corporate Communications