By Abdul Razak Hussin
Pix by Student Service Department, UKM

TANGKAK, 25 May 2012 – Malaysia is fortunate to have a sizeable number of its younger generation who are able to compete and contribute to nation building compared to some countries facing a dearth of youth arising from their policy of limiting births.

Menteri Besar of Johore, Dato’ Abdul Ghani Othman said with numerous academic and vocational educational opportunities provided by the government, the younger generations of Malaysians are equipped with knowledge to assist in the country’s development and progress.

He was a launching the Ledang Community Service programme carried out by 60 UKM students here today. This is the third such programme by UKM students in the Ledang area this time involving Kampung Solok, Sri Jaya and Bukit Banjar.

The programme which ends this Sunday include numerous activities carried out by the students, who stay in with their foster parents, including educational motivation talks to youths encouraging them to take up science, gotong royong, religious talks and games.

Ghani hoped more youths from the area will avail themselves the educational opportunities provided for their own wellbeing and to better the economic standings of their families, communities and the country.

He praised the UKM students for taking part in the community work saying that such activities should be encouraged especially in the rural areas to motivate youths in the kampungs to want to attain knowledge through education be it academic or vocational.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Students and Alumni Affairs, Prof Ir Dr Othman A Karim said such community activities is not only in line with the university’s role of extending itself to the community but gives practical exposure to students on real life situations in the kampungs.

The university hopes such involvement by its students will make its programmes more relevant to meet the needs of the community.

Present at the ceremony were the Member of Parliament for Ledang, Ir Hamim Samuri; the Ledang District Officer, Haji Abdul Han Ramin, community leaders, government officers and UKM staff.