KUALA KEDAH: Ms. Nur Fathin Nabila Airyazi, 19, who is about to begin her studies at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) on 1 October, was unexpectedly visited at her residence in Kuala Kedah Public Housing yesterday afternoon by the Vice-Chancellor of UUM, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan.
The eldest of five siblings received word that the university’s top management would be visiting her to present the contribution.
Ms. Nur Fathin, who will pursue a four-year Bachelor of Muamalat Administration programme, expressed her deep emotions and nervous anticipation upon receiving the visit. She conveyed her gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for taking the time to visit and expressed her appreciation for continuing her studies at UUM, even though it was her second choice. It is particularly gratifying for her to be the first child in her family to be admitted to the university.
“This generous initial donation will significantly help ease the financial strain on my family and me as I pursue my studies at UUM,” she said.
“I must attend university to transform my family’s future, as I recognise that my parents come from an impoverished background. Even the fees for my admission to UUM had to be initially borrowed from my aunt,” said the Changlun Matriculation student.
To alleviate the financial burden on her parents, who are supporting her four other siblings who are still in school, Ms. Nur Fathin has taken side jobs to earn extra money. She faced challenges during her matriculation studies, having to use outdated equipment due to her family’s financial constraints.
“I hope this marks the beginning of a significant journey towards realising my ambitions of becoming a bank officer or counselling teacher,” said the daughter of Mr. Airyazi Md Zain, 45, and Mdm. Shakirah Saad, 37.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan said that UUM has proactively taken steps to provide early support to students from the B40 group or those from less advantaged families who have accepted offers to UUM.
“We consistently prioritise the welfare of our students and offer support to all who seek assistance from the university. Among the forms of assistance are food bank, zakat, Bakul Rahmah, laptop assistance and many more,” he said.
UUM intends to provide complimentary fee financing assistance through its Sulong 3.0 programme, designed specifically for students from underprivileged backgrounds who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.
Another student, Ms. Nur Nisda Alia Masri, 19, a former student of the Kuala Nerang Matriculation, expressed her gratitude to the UUM Vice-Chancellor for providing initial assistance prior to her registration as a new student at the university next Tuesday.
As the youngest of the two siblings, she is set to pursue the Bachelor of Finance programme, a field she has been passionate about since her school days.
“I am deeply grateful to my mother and stepfather, who have generously sacrificed their time and resources to support my education and my sister’s throughout the years. Only through education can I truly transform the fate of my family,’ she said.
Each student received financial assistance of RM500, which will be credited to their respective bank accounts, providing a much-needed boost.
Earlier, Mr. Halim Md Yatim, the Administrative Officer at the Student Services and Support Division, Department of Student Affairs, graciously presented donations to the prospective UUM students who are eagerly preparing to register next October.”
