KUALA TERENGGANU, 2 November 2025 – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to strengthen its role as a community-oriented institution when it launched the MADANI Foster School Programme (SAM) in collaboration with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Nilam, Kuala Terengganu, today.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Sri Ab Rahim Ab Rahman, Director of the National Budget Office and Member of UMT’s Board of Directors, who expressed his strong support for efforts to enhance collaboration between higher education institutions and secondary schools through inclusive education development platforms.

In his speech, Dato’ Sri Ab Rahim urged schools to maintain close ties with universities as strategic partners that not only share expertise but also guide school communities toward excellence through knowledge, technology, research, training, and innovation.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to the well-structured and focused planning between UMT, the Terengganu Federal Development Office, the Terengganu State Education Department, the Kuala Terengganu District Education Office, and the school, all project components have been successfully implemented.

This achievement supports the national effort to strengthen the education system through values-based approaches grounded in Ihsan (Compassion), Well-being, and Inclusivity, in line with the Malaysia MADANI principles,” he said during the SAM launch.

Meanwhile, UMT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri bin Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) for entrusting UMT as the implementing agency for the programme.

“This programme aligns with the Public Service Reform Agenda introduced by the Prime Minister, which aims to strengthen the relationship between universities and the community through an efficient, effective, and high-impact education system,” he said.

According to Prof. Zamri, UMT received an allocation of RM100,000 from the MOF in May to carry out the programme until December 2025. SMK Seri Nilam (SeNILAM) was selected as the foster school for the implementation of five key components, namely academic and motivational enhancement for students, professional development training for teachers, improvement of learning facilities for special education students, maintenance of school facilities, and school beautification and landscaping activities.

He added that all components were successfully implemented with 100 percent completion, involving comprehensive expenditure and impact evaluation.

To further strengthen the programme’s effectiveness, UMT also introduced additional initiatives through Service Learning Malaysia, University for Society (SULAM) and the Knowledge & Technology Assimilation Grant Scheme (KTAGS), which exposed SeNILAM students to the fields of science and technology.

In addition, UMT lecturers conducted motivational programmes, knowledge workshops, and academic visits, while also donating used assets and university facilities for the school’s benefit.

“Overall, the implementation of this programme involved contributions exceeding RM100,000, comprising both financial assistance and in-kind support. This demonstrates UMT’s commitment to the University for Society agenda, in line with the UMT Togetherness spirit,” he added.

Prof. Zamri also extended his appreciation to all parties involved in the success of the programme and expressed confidence that the strategic collaboration between the university, schools, and the community will help SMK Seri Nilam become a model school for nurturing knowledgeable, virtuous, and visionary students.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Deputy Director of Education (School Management Sector) Terengganu, Senior Assistant Director of the Terengganu Federal Development Office (PPPNT), Deputy Director of the Terengganu Department of Agriculture, Director of the Terengganu Farmers’ Organisation, representatives from Serada Realty Sdn. Bhd., school staff, and invited guests.

The presence of various agencies and strategic partners at the event reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaborative networks towards developing holistic, balanced, and competitive MADANI individuals.

Published by
Corporate Communications Office
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)