By Radzuan Ghazali
Pix by Abdul Raai Osman

BANGI, 31 Jan. 2012 – UKM students were today urged to utilise training as the culmination of their studies in preparing themselves for the employment environment.

The National University of Malaysia (UKM) Chancellor, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir said the education they received will be enhanced by the skills they acquired by joining the voluntary uniform services as part of their co curriculumactivities.

Their involvement in such services will also be a boon to them not only in being disciplined and adhering to rules and regulations but also in upholding the good name of the country.

Tuanku Muhriz who is also the Yang Di Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan was officially opening the Kesatria Complex at the Reserve Officers Training Corps (Palapes) Building in the campus here today.

The RM6million complex houses four voluntary uniform services comprising Palapes, Police Reserve Corps (Suksis), the Students Civil Defence Corps (SISPA) and the Malaysian Red Crescent. The complex has been operational since last Sept.

Tuanku Muhriz said UKM recognises its students’ involvement in the uniform services by appraising such activities which also helped to inculcate discipline and good values among them.

He hoped those who complete their training will continue their voluntary services even after leaving the university as the country needs volunteers who are well trained professionals with creative minds to assist in upholding peace and wellbeing of the nation and the people.

The Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud; Chairman of the UKM Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dr Zulkifli A. Hassan; Deputy Inspector of Police, Dato’ Seri Khalid Abu Bakar and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lt Jen Dato’ Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Nor were present at the ceremony.

UKM Vice Chancellor, Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Wira Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin in her welcoming speech said the complex opening is an important milestone for UKM as it incorporates the innovation of sharing of the training facilities for all the uniform services.

It is not merely the physical sharing of the facilities but more importantly it also symbolises the cooperation between the various services so that the culture of sharing can be nurtured.

Such culture of sharing can be optimised and synergised for the benefit of every one. The complex can be instrumental in increasing not just the performance and wellbeing of the voluntary services but also the spirit of patriotism among the volunteers, she said.