10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.2 – Access to university track underrepresented groups applications

Yes, UKM tracks the applications and admissions of underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, disabled students, and low-income students. From 2021 to 2023, UKM made progress in increasing enrollment for ethnic minority groups. In 2023, 632 ethnic minority students were accepted, making up 10.50% of acceptances, up from 156 (2.18%) in 2021. Groups like Orang Asli, Bumiputera Sabah, and Bumiputera Sarawak saw notable growth. For example, Orang Asli enrollment grew from 1 in 2021 to 16 in 2023, reflecting UKM’s commitment to inclusivity.

For disabled students, 26 were accepted in 2023 (0.43%), improving from 21 (0.34%) in 2022. This upward trend shows UKM’s dedication to supporting students with disabilities.

UKM also focuses on B40 students, accepting 1,865 in 2023 (30.97%), up from 1,460 (23.38%) in 2022. Through Jejak Anak Watan, selected students receive financial aid and Bakul Rahmah worth RM200, ensuring financial barriers do not limit access to education.

a) Ethnic Minority Groups

Between 2021 and 2023, UKM made significant strides in increasing both the enrollment and acceptance of ethnic minority groups, underscoring its dedication to inclusivity. In particular, Orang Asli enrollment saw a remarkable jump from just 1 student in 2021 to 16 in 2023. Similarly, Bumiputera Sabah experienced a dramatic increase, rising from 5 students in 2021 to 302 in 2023, while Bumiputera Sarawak enrollment grew from 2 students in 2021 to 144 in 2023.

Other ethnic groups also saw positive trends. Iban students increased from 36 in 2021 to 41 in 2023, and Dusun saw steady numbers, enrolling 12 students in 2021 and maintaining 21 students in 2023. These figures reflect UKM’s commitment to broadening educational access for underrepresented ethnic groups.

In terms of acceptance, the numbers show significant progress. In 2021, 156 ethnic minority students were accepted, rising to 632 in 2023. This represents an increase from 2.18% of accepted students in 2021 to 10.50% in 2023, despite a drop in total applications from 29,641 in 2021 to 17,958 in 2023. This growing proportion of accepted students from ethnic minority backgrounds further illustrates UKM’s proactive efforts to enhance access and opportunities for all, particularly for groups like Orang Asli, Bumiputera Sabah, and Bumiputera Sarawak.

Table: First Year Enrollment of Ethnic Minority Groups (2021–2023)

Year/Ethnic Group	2021	2022	2023
Orang Asli	1	4	16
Bumiputera Sabah	5	115	302
Bidayuh	6	1	6
Dusun	12	26	21
Kadazan	42	38	42
Melanau	9	8	9
Bumiputera Sarawak	2	57	144
Iban	36	29	41
Murut	2	2	3
Serani	0	1	2
Sikh	13	11	15
Thai/Siam	13	1	13
Bajau	9	14	12
Brunei	5	5	6
Kedayan	0	3	0
Total Students	156	327	632

Table: Ethnic Minority Groups’ Admission Acceptance (2021–2023)

Category/Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Ethnic Minority Groups’ Acceptance	% Ethnic Minority Groups’ Accepted
2021	29641	7159	156	2.18%
2022	14872	6244	327	5.24%
2023	17958	6021	632	10.50%

b) Students with Disabilities

In 2023, UKM made steady progress in supporting disabled students through its admissions process. A total of 26 disabled students were accepted, accounting for 0.43% of the total accepted students, which shows an improvement from 0.34% in 2022. Although the number of applications and total accepted students has fluctuated over the past few years, the university’s consistent focus on inclusivity is evident.

The efforts made in 2023 demonstrate a continued commitment to providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. UKM’s steady work in increasing the percentage of disabled students in the overall acceptance rate reflects its dedication to creating a more inclusive supportive learning environment, ensuring that no group is left behind. The progress seen in 2023 indicates a positive direction for the university’s efforts toward inclusivity.

Table: Disability Students’ Admission Acceptance (2021-2023)

Category/Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Disability Students’ Acceptance	% Disability Students’ Accepted
2021	29641	7159	65	0.92%
2022	14872	6244	18	0.29%
2023	17958	6021	28	0.48%

c) Low-Income Students

In Malaysia, low-income households are categorised under the B40 group, representing the bottom 40% of income earners. UKM is committed to ensuring that students from these B40 households have access to higher education, as reflected in the data from 2021 to 2023.

In 2023, 1,865 B40 students were accepted into UKM, making up 30.97% of the total 6,021 accepted students, an increase from 1,460 (23.38%) in 2022. Although total applications in 2023 were lower compared to previous years, the proportion of B40 students accepted rose, showcasing UKM’s commitment to inclusivity for students from low-income backgrounds.UKM supports both B40 students and ethnic minorities through Program Jejak Anak Watan, an initiative providing financial aid to those accepted into the university. Selected students also receive Bakul Rahmah valued at RM200, ensuring that financial and socio-economic challenges do not hinder their educational journey. Despite a drop from the 35.52% B40 acceptance rate in 2021, the data in 2023 shows a positive recovery, highlighting UKM’s commitment to equitable access for both B40 students and ethnic minorities.

Table: B40 First-Year Enrollment at UKM (2021–2023)

Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Total B40 Students	Percentage of B40 Students (%)
2021	29641	7159	2543	35.52%
2022	14872	6244	1460	23.38%
2023	17958	6021	1865	30.97%

Program Jejak Anak Watan: Financial Aid and Support for B40 Students and Ethnic Minorities

The pictures show underrepresented students receiving financial aid and Bakul Rahmah to pursue their studies at UKM through Program Jejak Anak Watan.