KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) continues to strengthen its cooperative relationships with banking institutions in the country when the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah made courtesy visits to four banks, recently.

The first visit was made to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB), Mohd Muazzam Mohamed followed by the Acting CEO of Affin Bank, Firdaus Toh Abdullah. 

While on the the second day, Haim Hilman visited the Co-opbank Pertama CEO, Khairil Anuar Mohammad Anuar and BSN CEO, Jay Khairil Jeremy Abdullah. 

One of the topics discussed during the meetings was the implementation of UUM’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes, requesting for full support from the four banks in terms of funding allocation for the university to develop more CSR projects.

Aside from that, the banks also consented to designate zakat donations to B40 students at UUM.

Haim Hilman also suggested collaborations in developing a structured, highly effective practicum programme as well as empower their ‘in-house training’ to enhance the talents of their staff.

He also extended invitation to the bank’s workers to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in order to advance their education and professional development.

“I hope that this strategic collaboration will benefit not only the university and the bank, but also the community from various walks of life,” he said. 

All the four CEOs welcomed the offer made by UUM and applauded the initiative taken in ensuring the success of the CSR programmes and the offer to upskill their staff members. 

They also look forward to a long-lasting relationship and immediate implementation of the strategic cooperations with the university.