600 new students join UMP

PAYA BESAR, 22 July 2023 - Joy was in the air when parents and families attended the recent registration session of diploma and Science and Technology Foundation students for the 2023/2024 academic session at Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP).

A total of 600 new students attended the 2-day Hari Suai Kenal (orientation days) with several events including the ‘RP Ku Rumah Ku’ programme with the Student Resident Principals, Academic Management Briefing, e-Learning Briefing (KALAM), Discipline of Student Rules Briefing and Campus Welfare and Experience Briefing.

They also had the opportunity to participate in the Madani Talk programme: Student Empowerment Agenda with Malaysian Electoral Academy (APR) and Madani Youth Chit Chat: Progressive Youth Build Unity which would benefit students to gain campus experience.

According to the UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, the university congratulates all students who continue their studies and become part of the UMP Family.

He hoped that these new students could take advantage of all the learning opportunities and facilities available at the UMP campus.

Meanwhile, the students also had the opportunity to increase their knowledge of current issues, especially those related to solidarity and to apply the values of civil society in strengthening national identity.

The organisation of this programme coincides with the objective of strengthening the understanding, appreciation and practice of the National Principles in daily life, especially for today’s youth and students.

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin added that this programme could also strengthen the social interaction of multiracial communities through mutual understanding of the mother tongue, customs and culture of other races.

“Current students are the linchpin of the country’s leadership in the future.

“How this country will be shaped depends on how today’s students are shaped in terms of identity, personality, integrity and disposition.

“Today’s students can no longer rely on academic excellence alone,” he said.

He said that winning the race in the workplace after graduating requires graduates with complete package, who excel academically and can show themselves in terms of leadership, skills, and charisma.

“A high CGPA is no longer a big license for any student to compete in the job market,” he explained. 

He also advised students to join clubs, associations and organisations as an organisational platform recognised by the university according to their tendencies and interests to hone their talents, leadership and potential.

For example, the Rukun Negara Secretariat (SRN) is the best place for all students.

He is also confident that the Department of National Unity and Integration is ready to provide advisory services to enable this SRN to be mobilised more actively and achieve its establishment goals.

Unity Discussion Programme: Youth Chit Chat also featured a panel consisting of a lecturer from the Center for Human Sciences (PSK), Dr. Mohd Rahimi Ramli, Assistant Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian Indian Youth Council, Presant s/o Sathasivam and the UMP MPP President, Agha Khilfi Suarno and Nurzahrina Zaidi as moderator.

Meanwhile, UMP new student Irdina Darwisyah Izran who enrolled on the Diploma programme of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology said that she had mixed feelings because although she was a bit nervous about adjusting to a new place, at the same time she was excited to create an experience in the university.

“My eldest brother, Muhammad Hafizuddin Izran, a UMP alumnus, is my idol.

“In addition, my brother and sister Muhammad Afif Aiman Izran from the Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering Technology and my sister, Iylia Maisarah Izran from the Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology are UMP bachelor’s degree students and this is one of the main reasons I choose UMP to pursue my study here.

“If given the opportunity, I would also like to continue studying at the bachelor’s degree level like my brothers and sister in engineering,” she said.

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie officiated the Unity Discussion Programme: 2023 Youth Chit Chat organised by the Pahang State Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) and the 2023/2024 Hari Suai Kenal Closing Ceremony at the UMP Astaka Hall.

Also present were the Director of the Department of National Unity and Integration Pahang, Amira Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Ts. Dr. Haji Mohd Rusllim Mohamed.

By: Siti Nur Azwin Zulkapri, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr.  Rozaimi  Abu  Samah, Faculty   of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology