Bakti Madani Carnival in Kampung Ulu Chepor: Strengthening Bonds Between Academia and Community
CHEMOR, 16 August 2025: The Bakti Madani Carnival in Kampung Ulu Chepor, Ipoh, has emerged as a meaningful platform for empowering students through a community-based approach.
The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan said that this carnival is more than just a programme, it is a bridge that connects academia with the community through strategic collaboration that promotes harmony.
He emphasised that genuine learning extends beyond lecture halls. It takes place in neighbourhoods, on community sports courts, during spiritual programmes and at local celebrations.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) for appointing UUM as the coordinating university for the Bakti Madani Carnival 2025. This programme reflects the spirit of Malaysia Madani, which is rooted in values, empathy and inclusiveness. The active participation of the Kampung Ulu Chepor community demonstrates that the spirit of togetherness remains strong in our society,” he said at the Opening Ceremony of the Bakti Madani Carnival 2025 and Adoptive Family Induction yesterday.
Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan further affirmed that UUM deeply appreciates the support from the Ministry of Education and its strategic partners in ensuring the continuity of this initiative. He also noted that the carnival also serves as a platform to introduce UUM as an accessible institution committed to working with the rural community to build a brighter future.
According to him, the carnival highlights the potential of UUM students to serve as agents of positive change in society, in line with the university’s motto, ‘Knowledge Virtue Service’.
“I fervently hope that the close bonds forged between students and their adoptive families will endure over time.
“I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Kampung Ulu Chepor for their warm welcome and the sense of family they have so generously shared,” he said.
The three-day carnival, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and the University of Malaya through the Student Affairs Department, took place from 16 to 18 August. The event featured a wide range of activities, including the Independence Month Celebration Night, Menara Gading Madani Aspiration programme, Merdeka Fashion Competition, Dapur Berapi Ulu Chepor showcase, Madani exhibition, folk sports, funeral management courses, and a special session with renowned preacher, Ustaz Syamsul Debat.
