KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education through its Ziarah Prihatin Unimas programme, where the Vice-Chancellor and his deputy personally visited B40 families to deliver admission offer letters to selected students from Samarahan to Sri Aman.
Leading the two-day outreach were Unimas Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni, Professor Ir Ts Dr Al-Khalid Othman. Both emphasised that financial aid and moral support are always available to ensure no student is left behind in pursuing higher education.
On the first day, Prof Ahmad Hata visited the home of Jasnita Kamal in Kampung Baru Hulu, Kota Samarahan. Jasnita, the second of four siblings, is the first in her family to enter university. Despite surviving a serious accident during her STPM years, she successfully completed her pre-university studies with a CGPA of 2.58 under a special candidate status. Prof Ahmad Hata reminded her that perseverance and dedication are the keys to excelling at Unimas.
The Vice-Chancellor also met Brandon Teoh Hoo Zhe at his workplace, Farley Supermarket, where he works part-time as an assistant supervisor. Determined to save money for his studies at Unimas, Brandon hopes his efforts will inspire his younger brother, Darren.
On the following day, Dr Al-Khalid led the team on a two-hour drive to Simunjan and Debak, Betong. In Simunjan, they met Siti Hayy Annur Endol, a new Psychology student. The team was moved by her story of growing up in hardship. A Sarawak Foundation Excellence Award recipient, Siti is determined to succeed in honour of her late father and her mother, who is battling cancer.
Dr Al-Khalid offered words of encouragement, assuring her that Unimas is committed to being a safe space with strong support systems. “Through the Department of Student Affairs and Alumni, Unimas will always be ready to provide assistance. We want you to focus fully on your studies,” he stressed.
The final recipient was Sylvester Belaka Sigan from Debak, Betong. In addition to the admission letter, the team also handed him initial financial assistance from the Ministry of Higher Education’s Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS) and the Unimas Welfare Fund, extending the university’s support to B40 families.
By Connie Chieng