By Rosfazila Bakar, UMT Integrity Unit

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) further strengthened its role in national student development after being entrusted by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as a strategic partner and selected to host the Financial Literacy, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Student Programme 2026. The appointment highlights UMT’s capacity to advance initiatives that promote financial literacy, integrity, and ethical leadership among university students.

Held at Dewan Sultan Mizan on 6 June 2026 under the theme “Empowering Integrity and Strengthening Student Financial Management,” the programme brought together approximately 1,000 students from UMT and public higher education institutions across the East Coast.

A key highlight of the programme was the launch of the MACCAMPUS digital application, an initiative by MACC aimed at strengthening integrity awareness, increasing understanding of corruption risks, and fostering ethical leadership among university students.

In attendance were UMT Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the EPF Board, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Zuki Ali; Chief Commissioner of MACC, Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman; and UMT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, underscoring the collaborative commitment of the higher education, financial, and enforcement sectors to developing responsible future leaders.

In his welcoming address, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed UMT’s commitment to producing graduates who combine academic excellence with strong integrity and sound financial literacy. He also expressed appreciation to EPF and MACC for their trust in appointing UMT as both strategic partner and host of the national programme.

Delivering the keynote address, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Zuki Ali emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in equipping young people with sound financial management skills, ethical values, and an anti-corruption mindset. He noted that higher education institutions play an important role in developing graduates who possess not only academic competence but also integrity, professionalism, and leadership qualities.

Participants attended a series of talks delivered by representatives from MACC, EPF, the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The sessions addressed financial planning, savings, credit management, integrity, and online scam awareness, providing practical knowledge to help students navigate financial and ethical challenges beyond university.

The programme also featured nine exhibition booths by EPF, MACC, PDRM, AKPK, PTPTN, Tabung Haji, the Terengganu Human Resource Development Centre (THRDC), the Terengganu Department of Labour, and CelcomDigi. The exhibition enabled students to engage directly with participating agencies and obtain information on financial services, career opportunities, and public programmes.

The opening ceremony included a War Cry performance by UMT’s Royal Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTU) cadets, showcasing discipline, teamwork, and leadership as part of the university’s co-curricular development.

The programme reflected UMT’s continued collaboration with government agencies in supporting national efforts to develop graduates who are financially literate, ethically grounded, and socially responsible, while strengthening partnerships that contribute to the nation’s human capital development.