By Saiful Bahri Kamaruddin
Photo Abd Ra’a Osman

BANGI, June 1, 2015 – The National University of Malaysia’s (UKM) Ungku Omar Residential College (KUO) has held its Appreciation of Excellence Night 2015 (MAC15) dinner with a Malay wedding theme.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed   inaugurated the sit-down dinner event here on May 30th.

MAC15 is a ceremony held to honour the residents of KOU and introduce to the public the activities of the college.

Among the honoured guests at the event were UKM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Datin Dr Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, KOU Principal Nik Hairi Omar and his deputy Jamalul Lail Abd Wahab.

In his speech at the launching ceremony, Mustapa said culture and arts reflect the creativity of the undergraduates and he praised the students for successfully organizing the event.

He suggested that students use their competitiveness to meet the challenges of the future.

The audience were also entertained to a show of cultural dances and singers.

KOU residents have been known to be active in various fields and often achieve success in academics, sports and culture. Various clubs have been established as platforms for students to highlight their talents.

The foundation stone of KOU was laid on June 23, 1976 and completed on January 7, 1978 with an area of ​​220 square feet. The college has four dormitory blocks, 23 blocks of student flats and three blocks of apartments which can accommodate a total of 1024 students. The college named after a national medical pioneer – the late Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ungku Omar bin Ahmad.