SDG 10 Indicator

10.6.2 10.6.3 10.6.4 10.6.6 10.6.7 10.6.8 10.6.9

10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.6 – Support for underrepresented groups

UKM provides mentoring, counselling, and peer support programs for underrepresented groups. The Mentor-Mentee Program emphasises inclusivity, focusing on minority and disabled students, helping them feel comfortable and supported in the academic environment.

The Counseling Unit under HEP-UKM offers mental health support to all students, especially ethnic minorities from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli community, helping them adjust to life far from home. Additionally, the Counseling Unit under the Human Resources Division supports staff with essential counselling services.

Through Peer Support, the Cakna OKU Volunteer Club promotes awareness and provides practical assistance to disabled staff and students, such as helping with transportation and campus navigation. The Disability Support and Services Unit further enhances accessibility and inclusion, ensuring disabled individuals receive comprehensive support across UKM.

MENTORING

Mentor-Mentee Program

UKM’s Mentor-Mentee Program emphasises inclusivity, focusing on the unique needs of underrepresented groups, including minority and disabled students. While the program is compulsory for all students, it is tailored to provide specialised support for those from underrepresented group backgrounds, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued in the academic environment.

Mentors play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging for these students, offering personalised guidance and understanding to help them overcome potential barriers. Through regular interactions, mentors actively engage with students, addressing their specific concerns, and promoting a supportive atmosphere that encourages academic and personal growth. This approach not only supports students academically but also nurtures their confidence and comfort within the university community, embodying UKM’s commitment to reducing inequalities and fostering an inclusive educational space.

The picture shows a mentor-mentee program meeting, including disabled students, highlighting the program’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants.

Leadership Shadowing Program

The Leadership Shadowing Program at UKM is designed with a strong commitment to inclusivity, focusing on supporting underrepresented groups such as ethnic minorities and women, particularly in STEM fields where women have been traditionally underrepresented. By offering mentorship and leadership development to new lecturers from diverse backgrounds, UKM demonstrates its dedication to reducing inequalities and fostering equal opportunities across all disciplines, empowering individuals from both ethnic minority groups and women in STEM to excel and thrive in academia.

This picture shows the first meeting of Leadership Shadowing Program 2023 features Lt. Kol. Bersekutu (PA) Prof. Dato’ Dr. Roslee Rajikan as a mentor, alongside participants Dr. Eliana Rose Johar from the Faculty of Economics and Management and Dr. Anies Fazilah Zakaria from the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment.

COUNSELLING

Counselling Unit under UKM’s Centre for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM)

The Counselling Unit under UKM’s Centre for Student Affairs (HEP-UKM) provides essential mental health support to all students, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups, such as minority ethnic students from Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asli community. Recognizing the unique challenges these students face while adjusting to life far from home, the unit offers tailored guidance and counselling to ensure they feel welcomed and supported, helping to prevent feelings of isolation or discrimination. This commitment reflects UKM’s dedication to creating an inclusive and empathetic campus environment for all students.

In addition, the Counseling Unit provides mental health support for all students through services such as healthy mind screenings, personalised counselling sessions, and crisis intervention for critical mental health cases. This comprehensive support system underscores UKM’s commitment to the well-being and inclusivity of its student community.

Source: https://www.ukm.my/hepukm/unit-kaunseling-2/

This screenshot from the Counseling Unit’s HEP-UKM website highlights various services offered, including individual and group guidance and counselling, healthy mind screenings for new students, psychological testing, mental health crisis intervention, human module development programs, and the provision of documentation and annual reports.

Counselling Unit under Human Resources Division, Registrar’s Department

The Counseling Unit under the Human Resources Division, Registrar’s Department, provides mental health and well-being support for UKM staff. This includes services such as mental health screenings, guidance and counselling sessions, and crisis intervention for critical mental health issues. UKM’s commitment to these services ensures a supportive environment for all staff, promoting overall well-being within the university community.

This infographic highlights the counselling services provided by the Counseling Unit, Human Resources Division at UKM. It offers support for UKM staff experiencing issues like anxiety, sadness, stress, financial problems, and more. Staff can access counselling services with a counsellor either in person or online.

PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMMES

Cakna OKU Volunteer Club (SAHABAT)

UKM’s Cakna OKU Volunteer Club (SAHABAT) plays a vital role in promoting awareness and understanding of the needs of staff and students with disabilities. This volunteer-based club not only raises awareness but also provides practical support to disabled individuals within the university community. Members of the club act as “buddies” to disabled staff and students, offering assistance such as helping them move between offices or classrooms, providing guidance around campus, and supporting them during events.

The Cakna OKU Volunteer Club (SAHABAT) also organises activities for disabled staff and students, providing them with opportunities for engagement, social interaction, and community building within UKM. These activities aim to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, further enhancing the well-being and campus experience of disabled individuals.

Cakna OKU Volunteer Club (SAHABAT) embodies UKM’s commitment to inclusivity and creates a more supportive environment where disabled individuals feel valued and empowered.

Club members from **SAHABAT**, Nurul Ain Farhana and Ainun Arbaina, volunteered to assist Dr. Al Amril Othman, a blind lecturer in editing lecture materials at Dr. Al Amril’s office in FSSK.

Disability Support and Services Unit, Registrar’s Department

In addition to the Cakna OKU Volunteer Club , UKM also has the Disability Support and Services Unit under the Registrar’s Department, which provides comprehensive support for both disabled students and staff. This unit plays a vital role in promoting visibility and inclusion for disabled individuals within the university. Their services include arranging transportation for disabled students and staff to access classes and offices, offering emotional support, and continuously improving campus facilities to ensure they are disability-friendly. Through these efforts, UKM is dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive environment for all members of its community.