Translated by Mahaliza Mahadhir (mahaliza@uum.edu.my)
SINTOK – MRSM Malaysia Ex-Students Association (Ansara) Matric Pioneer Batch 1985/87 of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) presented a Mock Cheque amounting to RM87,000 to UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, as contribution to the Special Endowment Fund.
The Ansara Alumni Representative, Mr. Mohd Nizuaisham Mohd Sanif formally presented the mock cheque in the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed and other alumni.
The Vice-Chancellor, who attended the ceremony, expressed his gratitude for the contributions made by the alumni of the first batch of matriculation students from the 85/87 session, which was established by MARA. He also thanked the UUM students from the July 1987 session, who were the 4th batch to complete their studies at UUM.
He mentioned that even though it has been more than three decades since they graduated from this institution, they did not forget it and instead strove to channel special waqf fund contributions for the use of students studying on this campus.
“The Kedah Islamic Religious Council (MAIK) has officially designated UUM as a Trustee (Mutawalli) for the UUM Endowment Fund, effective from 1 June 2022. This appointment grants the university the authority to responsibly manage and utilise the funds collected, as well as invest them in accordance with the permissible objectives outlined in the waqf regulations,” he explained.
In the meantime, he stated that the university consistently anticipates its alumni to return to campus and collaboratively exchange expertise, job prospects and financial resources to empower and help students who may be less privileged.
To date, the accumulated amount of the UUM Waqf Fund amounts to RM29,672.50, as a result of public contributions. Additionally, the fund has accumulated RM39,524.43 from staff salary deductions until 31 July 2023. In turn, the latest accumulated amount of the waqf fund stands at RM69,196.93.
While the university has yet to utilise the waqf fund, UUM is currently exploring investment opportunities with the aim of optimising the returns so that it can be utilised for the benefit of the students.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha when met, expressed his hope that this kind of donation will serve as a catalyst to encourage more alumni to reconnect with their alma mater, particularly to assist those from the B40 or economically disadvantaged group.
Also present at this ceremony were the Director of the Strategic and Business Development Department, Assoc. Prof. Sr Dr Mohamed Sukeri Khalid and the Director of the UUM Islamic Centre, Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamad Khadafi Rofie.
