Believing in her own abilities, Yasmin Suraya receives UMPSA Leadership Excellence in Volunteerism and Social Responsibility Award

GAMBANG, 27 October 2024 – Holding firmly to her life principles, perseverance, and belief in her own abilities to achieve dreams have been the driving forces for Yasmin Suraya to continue striving for success in everything she does.

The Kuala Terengganu native received the UMPSA Leadership Excellence in Volunteerism and Social Responsibility Award at the 19th Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Ceremony.

An excellent student, Yasmin pursued her studies at Pahang Matriculation College in the Pure Science stream upon completing her education at Sekolah Menengah Agama Khairiah.

She then took a step forward into higher education as a student at UMPSA in the Bachelor of Industrial Technology Management with Honours programme in 2020.

Taking on the challenge to step out of her comfort zone, Yasmin was grateful that UMPSA offered broader opportunities for her to actively participate in university programmes.

She shared that during her primary and secondary school years, she was not actively involved in co-curricular or club activities; however, when she entered UMPSA, she was determined to leave her comfort zone and participate in various activities.

“UMPSA offers many programmes that encourage students to join clubs, associations, or sports activities.

“I gained new knowledge and experiences, and improved my skills in interacting and communicating with others.

“This also indirectly helped boost my confidence in carrying out various tasks,” she added.

Throughout her studies, Yasmin held several important positions, including Head of the East Zone of the National Peer Counsellor Club (2022/2023), Deputy President of the UMPSA Peer Counsellor Club (2022/2023), Exco for Multimedia and Publicity and Secretary-General of Student Representative College 3 (PEKA 3) (2021/2022 and 2022/2023), Exco for Special Duties and Treasurer of the Terengganu Student Secretariat (PERMATA UMPSA) (2021/2022 and 2022/2023), and Exco for Activities in the Badminton Club (2022/2023).

She was also chosen to lead UMPSA’s delegation at the ASEAN Peers Convention 2022, presenting issues and solutions to overcome inappropriate student activities in higher education institutions.

“This programme involved 20 Malaysian public universities and several universities from Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia,” she said.

Yasmin also actively participated in professional skill courses organised by the Faculty of Industrial Management (FPI) at UMPSA, where she obtained certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Yellow and White Belt and Level 1 TRIZ Course.

According to her, professional courses like these increase students’ competitiveness and better prepare them for careers in various industries.

“I am also passionate about volunteer activities and served as the Secretary for the UMPSA Mobility Programme 21 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

“During the programme, we provided educational community services and assisted those in need in Vietnam,” she added.

Yasmin was also a Kilau UMPSA Volunteer, contributing to community services for flood victims in Batu Pahat, Johor, and served as a facilitator for the Student Induction Week (MINDS) programme.

Achieving excellent academic results, Yasmin received the Dean’s List Award seven times throughout her studies.
She shared that UMPSA provided a conducive and strategic learning environment, including lecture halls, tutorial rooms, and laboratories equipped with the latest tools to support students’ learning.

“UMPSA also provides professional and dedicated lecturers who are always ready to guide and assist students, whether inside or outside the classroom.

“These facilities indirectly encouraged me to stay active in university programmes,” she said.

Sharing her feelings about receiving the Leadership Excellence in Volunteerism and Social Responsibility Award, Yasmin expressed her excitement and gratitude for the recognition.

“I am grateful that all my hard work in maintaining excellence in academics and co-curricular activities has paid off.

“The greatest contributors to my success are my parents, as they are the main pillars and the reason I pursued my degree at UMPSA.

“I dedicate this success to both of them because, without my parents, I would not be standing here at today’s convocation ceremony,” she added.

Yasmin also hopes that all UMPSA graduates will become holistic individuals with high competitiveness in various fields and industries, both locally and globally, while contributing significantly to the country’s progress and society’s well-being.

She is now working as a Customer Relations Executive at Indah Sari Otomobil Sdn. Bhd. in Kuala Terengganu.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications
Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology