UMPSA and YASA launch Akademi Menara Gading 2.0

GAMBANG, 2 October 2024 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), in partnership with its strategic collaborator, Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA), launched the Akademi Menara Gading 2.0 programme today at Dewan Astaka, UMPSA Gambang Campus.

The Akademi Menara Gading (AMG) was inspired by the vision of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Chancellor of UMPSA, and Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Almarhum Al-Mutawakkil Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, who are deeply committed to the future of education in Pahang.

The Akademi Menara Gading 2.0 programme is built around four key objectives: academic excellence, particularly in STEM fields; the implementation of holistic human capital development programmes; the cultivation of students with strong soft skills, especially in leadership and volunteerism; and the promotion of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs), Professor Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad Sulaiman, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, reaffirmed UMPSA's commitment to collaborating with any organisation whose objectives align with improving students’ educational standards.

"With the expertise that UMPSA possesses across various fields of engineering, science, and technology, I am confident that the university is well-positioned to serve as a competent and synergistic partner in achieving the desired goals," he said.

In addition, UMPSA has introduced the Faculty@School programme, a strategic initiative designed to establish UMPSA as the university of choice. 

This initiative involves collaboration between UMPSA and eight selected schools in the Kuantan and Pekan regions of Pahang.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari Abdul.

Also present at the event were Royal Court Manager, Dato' Haji Ahmad Khirrizal Haji Ab. Rahman, YASA General Manager, Haji Mohd Fakhrul Islam Juhali, Kosma Foundation Board of Trustees member, Dato' Haji Abdul Rahim Mohamad, Senior Assistant Director (Learning Sector, Pahang State Education Department), Tuan Muhamad Sapiee Meon, and Pahang Islamic Religious Council representative, Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman Talib.

Haji Mohd Fakhrul Islam mentioned that the AMG NEXT-GEN programme, introduced through this academy, focuses on developing the next generation of young leaders in Pahang, based on the Abdullah Concept.

He explained that the programme is aimed at underprivileged students, asnaf groups, and orphans.

This initiative provides a holistic human capital development platform, covering various academic fields, particularly in STEM, while also fostering leadership, volunteerism, and physical and mental wellbeing among students.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UMPSA and YASA.

Over 250 attendees, including university staff, school principals, teachers, and students, participated in the ceremony.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Aminatul Nor Mohamed Said, UMPSA Career  Centre (UMPSACC)