By Siti Nurhasmira Abu Hassan, Centre for Knowledge Transfer, Industry and Community Linkages (PPIJIM)

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) proudly highlighted the impact of its Kampung Angkat MADANI Project in Kampung Menerong during the recent launch of the Higher Education Roadshow @ Terengganu in Hulu Terengganu.

The university showcased a range of initiatives that have directly benefited the local community through knowledge transfer, capacity building and socio-economic empowerment programmes. Among the key outcomes were entrepreneurship projects and skills enhancement programmes designed to improve livelihoods and create sustainable income-generating opportunities for residents.

The ceremony also saw certificates presented to participants who successfully completed the Kelulut Entrepreneurship Programme, the Oyster Mushroom Cultivation and Downstream Products Entrepreneurship Project, and the English Language Enhancement Programme for Local Tourism Operators. These initiatives were implemented to strengthen community competencies and enhance economic competitiveness.

As part of its commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, UMT also presented the Sekolah Angkat STEM appointment certificates to 12 schools in the Hulu Terengganu district. The initiative aims to nurture students’ interest and strengthen their mastery of STEM subjects, supporting the state’s efforts to develop future talent in science and technology.

Visitors were also introduced to UMT’s B20 Biodiesel Production Project from used cooking oil, a research-based innovation that promotes environmental sustainability and renewable energy through the recycling of domestic waste.

The initiatives were showcased during the launch of the Higher Education Roadshow @ Terengganu, a Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) programme that will also be implemented across eight districts in the state. The roadshow aims to bring the services, expertise and benefits of higher education institutions closer to communities, while contributing to local development and well-being.

The programme featured community projects, research innovations, and knowledge-transfer initiatives. Participating institutions included UMT, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Hulu Terengganu Polytechnic, and Hulu Terengganu Community College.

Among the highlights were the STEM on Wheels exhibition, Fun Walk, higher education study fair, educational counselling sessions, mobile health clinic services, free market, Mobile Veterinary Clinic and Agro MADANI sales programme. Government agencies and private-sector organisations, including PTPTN, NADI and MAXIS, also participated by introducing various services and initiatives to visitors.

The programme was officiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, and attended by senior leadership from MOHE, public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, government agencies, private companies and local community representatives. Also present were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Aminuddin Hassim; the Director-General of Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, YBhg. Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman; and UMT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.