UMPSA receives RM200,000 zakat contribution from PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE for asnaf students’ benefits

PEKAN, 25 June 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) continues to strengthen its commitment to student welfare through strategic collaboration with the industrial sector by receiving a corporate zakat contribution amounting to RM200,000 from PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE Sdn. Bhd. in an official ceremony held at the Banquet Hall, Chancellery Tun Abdul Razak, UMPSA Pekan.

The i-Campus Zakat Wakalah Handover Ceremony to UMPSA’s asnaf students was officiated by the Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE, Tuan Fauzamsaari Geran and witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias.

Also present was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr Aida Mustapha.

The zakat contribution is part of the corporate social responsibility of PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE and was channelled through the i-Campus platform of Yayasan UMPSA, which was specifically established to coordinate the collection and distribution of student welfare funds.

In her welcoming speech, Professor Dr Yatimah Alias expressed her appreciation for the continued support from the industry, especially PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE, which she described not only as a strategic partner of the university but also as a driver in strengthening the human capital development agenda.

“This contribution means a great deal to our students; it allows them to remain focused on their studies without being burdened by financial pressures.

“Furthermore, the presence of Tuan Fauzamsaari and his team today symbolises the industry’s concern for the future of the younger generation,” she said.

Professor Dr Yatimah Alias also shared that as of mid-2025, UMPSA had channelled a total of RM423,900 in zakat aid to 675 eligible asnaf students.

She added that in the previous year, RM2.2 million was distributed to students through various welfare initiatives, including bursaries, scholarships, health assistance, and emergency support.

“The university’s continuous efforts to support student welfare, especially the B40 group, which makes up more than 66% of the total student population, also received international recognition when UMPSA was ranked fifth best in the world under Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

“Yayasan UMPSA’s initiatives are systematically driven in collaboration with the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA) and are aimed at ensuring no student is left behind due to financial constraints.

“We warmly welcome more participation from industries, agencies, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to contribute to this agenda,” she said.

She further added that PETRONAS Chemicals MTBE had set the best example of how the industry can contribute directly to the development of national education.

Meanwhile, Tuan Fauzamsaari Geran also emphasised that PETRONAS’ commitment is not only in producing high-quality products but also in actively playing a role as a responsible corporate citizen.

“We believe that investing in education is an investment in the nation’s future.

“By helping these asnaf students, we hope they can complete their studies successfully and go on to contribute back to society and the country,” he said.

The ceremony was enlivened with a symbolic zakat aid handover session to student representatives, followed by a photo session and lunch.

Professor Dr Yatimah Alias also conveyed a message to students to make full use of the contribution with responsibility and gratitude.

“Let this aid serve as motivation to move forward and build a brighter future.

“We believe all of you have the potential to succeed and become individuals who can contribute back to the community,” she said.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press