UMPSA launches ASEAN Exploration Expedition Programme

PEKAN, 27 October 2023 – The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, who is also the Deputy Chairman of the UMP Foundation, presented the UMPSA flag and plaque to three Project Managers of the ASEAN Exploration Expedition Programme at the Banquet Hall, UMPSA Pekan.

The programme, set to embark on its mission from November 11 to 17, 2023, by the UMP Foundation Squad, will be joined by 42 staff, students, and UMPSA alumni.

Professor Dato’ Ts. Dr. Yuserrie congratulated the UMP Foundation Squad. 

"Congratulations for daring to take up the challenge in achieving the mission's objectives of gaining experience and shaping student leadership through programmes held abroad, especially in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

"Hopefully, this programme will provide students with the experience of assisting communities by creating a community service network, offering contributions, and volunteering strategically and purposefully on a global scale," he said.

According to the Project Manager of the Surabaya@Indonesia Exploration Group, who is also a student of the Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology (FSTI) at UMPSA, Fatin Najihah Mislin, they have received sponsorships from Pahang Mining Corporation Sdn. Bhd., MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, Mannah Foundation, ADABI, and individual sponsors.

"At the same time, we also have several strategic partners and collaborations in Indonesia who have contributed to facilitating programme logistics and arrangements, such as ADEMOS Indonesia, Universiti Bojonegoro, Universitas Nadhlatul Ulama Sunan Giri, and the Bojonegoro Institute of Teacher Training and Education.

"Lostfood Bank also contributed basic food items such as milk, boxed water, and cereal," she said.

The Project Manager of the Phnom Penh@Cambodia Exploration Group, also a student of the Faculty of Computing (FK) at UMPSA, Bayu Hanafi Norhazilan, reported that the total amount collected from funding was RM25,696.00.

"For the mission to Cambodia, we have received sponsorship from the Pahang Foundation, Poverty Eradication Foundation, ALP Teknik Sdn. Bhd., Larkin Assembly Centre, Yadim, Belati Wangsa Sdn. Bhd., several other companies, and individual sponsors.

"Funding initiatives were also carried out through donation drives, charity sales, and more to raise funds for programme expenses.

"This programme will be conducted in the Chroy Ondeat village, Sulaimaniyah Madrasah, the Cambodia Embassy, the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, and around Phnom Penh," he said.

The Project Manager of the Tay Ninh@Vietnam Exploration Group, also a student of the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Mechatronics (FTKPM) at UMPSA, Muhammad Zubair Faiz Zulkefly, reported that they successfully raised RM27,835.00 through sponsorship support from companies, agencies, individuals, and fundraising.

"We would like to express our gratitude to the agencies and companies that have become strategic partners and collaborators and provided sponsorship.

"Some of them include the World Muslim Lovers Organization@Muslim Care Global (MCG), Regional Development Community (RDC), Anees Pharmacy, Rainbow Girl, Al Amin Jihas Venture, Seremban Sublimation, Nasyrul Quran, Premium Dental Clinic, Pretech Global, Ascenity Solution, and Kuala Terengganu Polytechnic," he said.

It is hoped that this programme will empower students to gain exposure and new ideas about the culture of communities within and outside the country, in addition to enhancing students' personal development. It will also foster a spirit of volunteering that needs to be instilled in students to produce caring and responsible individuals.

The UMP Foundation expresses heartfelt thanks to contributors, individuals, and the voluntary efforts in the joint effort and initiative of funding and fundraising. The total collection for the ASEAN Exploration Expedition reached up to RM69,387.00 through the UMP Foundation Squad's initiatives.

By: Muhammad Zufli Zuhari, Yayasan UMP

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