By Munirah Mansor, Student Affairs and Alumni Division

Continuing its commitment to empowering student development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), through its Student Affairs and Alumni Division (HEPA), organised the Student Icon Awards (AIS) 2025. The event recognized exemplary students who had excelled in intellectual achievement, leadership, character development, and their ability to create meaningful impact for the university, society, and the nation.

Carrying the theme “Elevating Outstanding Student Excellence”, the ceremony held at UMT’s Sultan Mizan Hall brought together the university’s most accomplished students who had demonstrated outstanding achievements throughout the 2024/2025 academic session. 

AIS 2025 featured eleven individual award categories covering leadership, arts and heritage, volunteerism, sports and recreation, public speaking, community service, innovation, unity, inclusivity, sustainability, and student entrepreneurship. 

Four team award categories were also contested: Best State Student Association, Best Academic Club, Best Volunteer Club, and Best Social Club.

The event also highlighted three of the university’s highest honours, the UMT Student Personality Award 2025, the Vice-Chancellor’s “U and Me Together” Award, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Bingkas Award, to recognise students who have emerged as role models and sources of inspiration within the university community.

Muhammad Zaki Anuar was announced the recipient of the UMT Student Personality Award 2025, for being an exemplary student who demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, character, and community contributions. 

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Students’ Association received the Vice-Chancellor’s “U and Me Together” Award, while Muhammad Afiq Naqiuddin Mohd Afizal was honoured with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Bingkas Award for his outstanding commitment to leadership and student development.

Hirman Awang, Director of the Student Affairs Division, Department of Higher Education, and Chief Executive Officer of the Student Empowerment Foundation (Yayasan Perkasa Siswa), in his officiating speech said AIS as a strategic platform for showcasing students’ potential as valuable national assets while fostering confidence, aspiration, and a culture of excellence among young people.

Prof. Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, UMT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), said the AIS 2025 finalists represented an exceptional group of students who had demonstrated a balance of intellectual capability, emotional maturity, strong character, and the courage to lead change in line with the student empowerment agenda introduced by the Ministry of Higher Education. 

He added the winners would go on to represent UMT at the national-level Student Personality Awards.

Expressing his gratitude, Muhammad Zaki said the award was not merely a personal achievement but a significant responsibility that must be translated into continued efforts to benefit students and society.

“This achievement does not belong to me alone, but to everyone who has guided and trusted me throughout my journey,’ he said. “UMT has provided me with opportunities to create, innovate, and develop my potential, enabling me to reach this stage.”