SINTOK, 31 December 2025 — Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) paid tribute to 75 members of its retiring staff for the year 2025 at the Majlis Sanjungan Bakti (Service Appreciation Ceremony), held at Dewan Sri Angsana, EDC-UUM, yesterday afternoon. The ceremony honoured 39 academic staff and 36 administrative staff who concluded their service through compulsory retirement, optional retirement, and retirement on medical grounds.
UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, described the retirees’ contributions as a legacy of trust, dedication, and service that has been deeply woven into the fabric of the university since its inception.
“UUM is not merely a workplace, but a living arena of service — a place where knowledge is nurtured, values are instilled, and the future of the nation’s next generation is shaped. The contributions of our retirees are profound, enduring, and will forever remain part of UUM’s institutional memory,” he said.
He also expressed his heartfelt condolences over the passing of nine UUM staff members throughout 2025, while reaffirming the university’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its retirees. This includes continued medical cost coverage and access to healthcare services at the University Health and Wellness Centre (PKKU).
In further support of its retirees, UUM offers those aged 65 and below the opportunity to continue their participation in the UUM Hospital Treatment Financing Scheme, which operates on the principles of Tabarru’ and Takaful, enabling access to treatment at private hospitals.
Representing the retirees, Prof. Ts. Dr Suhaidi Hassan affirmed that retirement would not mark the end of their contribution, but rather the beginning of a new chapter of continued service and engagement with the university.
While extending his congratulations to Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha on his appointment as the new Vice-Chancellor of UUM, and conveying appreciation to the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, for his distinguished leadership and lasting legacy, Dr Suhaidi said:
“For decades, we have served in diverse roles and capacities, yet our efforts were united by a single purpose — to nurture individuals anchored in knowledge, guided by values, and driven by service.”
He emphasised that retirement represents merely a transition of phase, and that the bond between UUM and its retirees will continue to endure, with the university remaining a cherished home of knowledge, memories, and lifelong belonging.
The ceremony was graced by members of the university’s top management, heads of departments, senior officers, and the UUM community.
