By Murniati Abu Karim
Photo Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI, 8 February 2022 – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) received a donation of RM 50,000 from its strategic partner, Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational Foundation in an effort to mitigate the impact of the global Covid-19 pandemic on students.

The donation will be distributed through the UKM Bursary to UKM students who have been affected by the Covid-19, such as those who have been tested positive and those who are identified as close contacts and are being quarantined.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Norazah Nordin, UKM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Alumni, and Community Partnerships), received the cheque donation and thanked the foundation for its unwavering contribution and assistance to UKM.

She highlighted that the Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational Foundation has donated 1050 units of Isolation Coverall PPE and 10 units of 5L Oxygen Concentrator to Hospital Tuanku Canselor Muhriz in September last year, when the Covid-19 infection was at its peak.

“I am thankful for such collaborative efforts between UKM and our strategic partner in facing the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“Not only are we collaborating to develop talents and cultivate minds, but we are also pooling our resources and efforts to address global challenges.

“InsyaAllah, we will ensure that the funds donated will be delivered as mandated,” she said.

Kesatuan Mahasiswa Student Representative Council Amir Izzwan Abu Hassan said also expressed his gratitude for the generous contributions.

“Thank you to Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational and UKM for your support in helping the affected students.”

Having been affected by the pandemic, he said that it was a very painful experience as he suffered from symptoms including flu, cough, loss of taste and smell and muscle pain.

“During the quarantine period, I had a lot of thoughts in my head. Alhamdulillah I did not feel alone because of the support I received from my family and colleagues through video calls, chat applications and messages,” he said.

The collaboration between UKM and the foundation started as a result of UKM’s participation in the University Alliance in Talent Education Development (UAiTED).

UAiTED is an international association that fosters talents while also sharing their respective strengths, experiences, and resources with the common goal of facilitating cross-regional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary global talent development through collaboration.