CHEMOR, 16 August 2025: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) students are being given the opportunity to experience rural community life firsthand through the three-day Bakti Madani Carnival, which began yesterday in Kampung Ulu Chepor, Ipoh.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Dr. Aminuddin Md. Hanafiah, Member of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) Management Board, and attended by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan.
Dato’ Dr Aminuddin explained that the carnival engages the villagers selected as adoptive families for the students, enabling them to better understand the heartbeat of the local community.
“I hope the students will experience the challenges of daily life in the village and develop an appreciation of grassroots issues. This experience is crucial in shaping their character and identity. At the same time, I hope the host families will extend their best hospitality to the students placed with them,” he said in his speech.
He noted that Kampung Ulu Chepor was chosen as the venue due to its status as a traditional village under the Tambun Parliamentary constituency, part of which also falls under the administration of the Ipoh City Council. The village was seen as possessing the right characteristics to host a programme of this nature.
Meanwhile, Political Secretary to the Minister of Higher Education, Mr. Akmal Zharif Ahmad Kamal, highlighted that experiences from such programmes cannot be replicated in lecture halls.
“This programme allows students to interact directly with the community. It not only brings them closer to society but also provides a platform to appreciate the realities of life,” he said.
He also reminded students to view the carnival as a valuable platform to acquire knowledge, broaden their experiences, and make full use of the opportunities provided.
The ceremony also included the formal presentation of 25 adoptive families to participating UUM students, with each family receiving a contribution of RM500.
Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jafri Saad; Principal Assistant Director (Student Affairs Division), Ministry of Higher Education, Mr. Muhammad Nafi’ Rezani Tahrir; Chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee, Mr. Amir Ahmad Said; President of the UUM Student Representative Council, Mr. Mohamad Amar Aidid Mohd Zain; as well as senior university officials and representatives from related agencies.
