“Jana, Jimat, Jariah” Agenda at UiTM Sarawak Branch

The “Jana, Jimat, Jariah” (3J) agenda introduced by UiTM Sarawak Branch made significant headway in a variety of activities ranging from asset management to training and education, welfare funds, and product commercialisation. The initiative includes inter-university and international collaborations.  In addition to working on the Smart Lobsters Hatchery Nursery & Grow Out Project, UiTM CS has also entered into a strategic cooperation with TERAJU - Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit for the Ecotourism project to strengthen the Socio-Economy of Sarawak Communities in Pulau Salak, Lawas, and Murum Penan.

27, 287 UiTM Graduates Celebrated at the 93rd Convocation

The 93rd UiTM Convocation, which had been inevitably postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrated 27,287 graduates across various academic levels. The first session was graced by the presence of His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, marking the appointment of Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin as the new Pro-Chancellor. This convocation, which included ceremonies in Sabah and Sarawak, witnessed a total of 13,756 graduates receiving their degrees, with 14 being honoured with the Best Graduate Awards. With a university degree in their hands, the graduates have not only created a brighter future for themselves, but many have also lifted their families to a better economic status.

UiTM Anti-Poverty Programme

The Students Welfare Management Unit under UiTM’s Student Affairs Division is responsible for facilitating students who are facing financial problems. Among the assistance provided are the reduction or exemption of tuition fees, living assistance, scholarships, emergency assistance and many more.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) provides hostel fee exemption for students from low-income families. Circular No. 5 year 2021 regarding Hostel Fee Exemption can be accessed is available to be downloaded from the Students Affairs Division (Bahagian Hal Ehwal Pelajar – BHEP) website at: https://hep.uitm.edu.my/main/   (Under Muat Turun – Pekeliling Timbalan Naib Canselor HEP). Based on this circular,  hostel fee exemption facility is given to UiTM students from low-income families (earning less than RM2,500 per month).

https://hep.uitm.edu.my/main/index.php/ component/sppagebuilder/?view=page&id=42

Scholarships for Excellence for National and International Students

• Undergraduate scholarships for Malaysian citizens
• Postgraduate scholarships for Malaysian citizens
• Postgraduate scholarships for international students studying at UiTM in the stipulated prioritised areas.

https://endowment.uitm.edu.my/v1/index.php/ services/scholarships

Explicating the Concept of Household Accounting Knowledge Transfer Phenomenon among Malaysian Citizens for Economic Resilience

The concept of household accounting knowledge transfer is of utmost importance in ensuring economic resilience among Malaysian citizens. This empirical study conducted by Norhayati Alias and team from the Accounting Faculty shed light on the intricate dynamics of knowledge transfer within households, focusing on the role it plays in enhancing financial literacy and promoting sustainable economic practices. By exploring the factors influencing the transfer of accounting knowledge between generations, this research seeks to provide valuable insights that can empower individuals and families. The purpose is to help make informed financial decisions, ultimately contributing to the economic stability of the nation.

An Analysis of Poverty Determination Approach: Post COVID-19

A group of researchers from Akademi Pengajian Islam Kontemporari (ACIS), Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, published an article entitled An Analysis of Poverty Determination Approach: Post COVID-19. The global and Malaysian COVID-19 pandemic has had major effects on human life. This pandemic threatens human health, education, society, finances, and mental health. The government’s movement control order (MCO) to stop this epidemic has made Malaysians, especially self-employed and small business owners, financially vulnerable. This has created the new poor that is growing daily. Since poverty classification parameters overlap, identifying and classifying B40, M40, and T20 groups will be difficult. So, this study will analyse the poverty determination approach after the outbreak to classify and measure poverty in a more realistic society. Thus, this library survey-based study takes a qualitative approach. The Department of Statistics Malaysia’s Poverty Line Income Limit (PGK) revision has increased the poverty rate, according to the study. This study found that unidimensional, multidimensional, and kifayah poverty measures work together to identify the poor. The findings indicate that because household income is used to calculate the poverty rate, the poverty line is found to be similar.

https://al-qanatir.com/aq/article/view/334

A Sustainable Livelihoods-Based Analysis of Vulnerabilities and Coping Strategies of Urban Poor Malay Households

Nor Hafizah Muhamed Harith, a researcher from the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies and team funded under the Ministry of Higher Education, Fundamental Research Grant evaluated and assessed the vulnerabilities of urban population and the strategies in coping with poor conditions among the city dwellers. The analysis of vulnerabilities and coping strategies of urban poor Malay households is essential in understanding how these communities can achieve sustainable livelihoods. Through the lens of the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, we can examine the challenges faced by the urban poor and identify effective coping mechanisms. This study delves deep into the realities of urban poor Malay households, providing a comprehensive analysis of their vulnerabilities. By exploring the different dimensions of vulnerability, such as economic, social, and environmental conditions, we gain insights into the complex dynamics at play. Additionally, we illuminate the coping strategies employed by these households, shedding light on the innovative ways they navigate in adversity. Understanding the vulnerabilities of urban poor Malay households is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners alike. By analysing their coping strategies, we can develop targeted interventions that foster sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life for these communities.

Housing Supply Model for Affordable Homes in Malaysia

UiTM Offers a Special Pre-Higher Education Programme (PPT)

As a fulfilment of its responsibility to the community and the country, UiTM offers a special Pre-Higher Education Program (PPT) to help Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders through academic strengthening programs at the Pre-Diploma level. Students who pass the Pre-Diploma will be absorbed into studies at the Diploma level and in turn provide with greater opportunities for them to continue their studies at the Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Doctor of Philosophy. UiTM’s PPT is based on the philosophy of the university which believes that an individual can strive to achieve excellence through the transfer of knowledge and the application of noble values. Candidates who apply and qualify will be offered to fill 6,000 new enrolments by 2025. PPT provides a special route for students from the B40 (Low-income) group and indigenous communities to continue their studies to a higher level.

https://pppt.uitm.edu.my/index.php/ms/

Community Engagement for Zero Poverty Program

With the aim of empowering entrepreneurship at the university level, a programme named UiTM Unicorn Scholar Programme (UiTM USP) was introduced by UiTM. This programme targets students with an outstanding academic performance, excellent leadership qualities and are highly enthusiastic in entrepreneurial activities. It is expected to change the landscape of entrepreneurship empowerment throughout the UiTM system including the aspects of cultural entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and students’ readiness to compete in today’s challenging global market.

UiTM, via its Malaysian Academy of SME & Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED) promotes & supports students to start up their business while they are still studying. Among the support provided is by providing an interestfree loan to the student who wants to start a business.

Upskilling with Industrial to Improve Low Income Community

UiTM in collaboration with Prestariang Sdn. Bhd., launched a program called “Upskilling the Disadvantaged: No One Is Left Behind”, the first program of its kind in a Malaysian public university, not only focused on disabled UiTM students, but also involving UiTM’s B40 students (lowincome category). A total of 120 disabled students and 80 B40 students are involved in this two-phase program. This program is a translation of UiTM’s responsibility, commitment, and care towards the less fortunate community, especially people with disabilities and from the low-income category.

https://www.dagangnews.com/ uitm-perkasakan-pelajar-oku-dan-b40- melalui-program-peningkatan-kemahiran-8814

The Establishment of UiTM

UiTM was founded with the primary objective of addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting equitable access to higher education in Malaysia. This institution’s core mission aligns seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, which seeks to eradicate poverty in all its forms, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a dignified life.

UiTM’s establishment is driven by a vision to uplift marginalised communities and bridge the educational divide. By providing quality education to a diverse range of students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, it contributes significantly to SDG 1. In doing so, UiTM empowers individuals to break the cycle of poverty through knowledge and skill acquisition, ultimately promoting economic well-being and reducing inequalities in the society. In this way, UiTM plays a pivotal role in advancing the global commitment to eliminating poverty, one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universiti_Teknologi_MARA

Publication Assistance for Research Students

UiTM is committed to facilitating scholarships, funding, and assistance for postgraduate students. Institute of Graduate Studies, UiTM provides a Journal Support Fund (JSF) for postgraduate students regardless of their gender or citizenship. JSF helps the students in completing their studies, especially students who come from low-income families and those international students from low or lower-middle income countries.

https://ipsis.uitm.edu.my/index.php/jsf

Social Innovation for Cooperative Entrepreneurship (KOKULAC): A Case Study of UiTM-Led Research in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the government has made substantial strides in endorsing social innovation programs, signifying a commitment to fostering positive change and inclusive development. Nevertheless, a comprehensive repository of reports and findings pertaining to this subject remains conspicuously absent, primarily due to the novelty of this field of interest. To address this knowledge gap, our paper endeavors to offer a profound understanding of the role of social innovation projects in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Focusing on the emerging landscape of social innovation in Malaysia, we present a case study anchored in a cooperative entrepreneur model known as KOKULAC, with a grounded theory analysis forming the backbone of our approach. Our findings underscore the profound connection between KOKULAC’s objectives and five specific SDGs: eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, fostering equitable employment and economic growth, promoting responsible consumption and production, and nurturing partnerships to achieve shared goals. Furthermore, the case study unveils how the principles of sustainable development catalyse broader societal benefits, propelling shared prosperity. We conclude that our proposed model augments the existing innovation capability theory by emphasising innovation aligned with societal needs, with applicability extending beyond the confines of our specific case. As a recommendation for future research, we advocate for deeper integration between the social innovation model and the dynamic capabilities embedded within networking structures, fostering a more cohesive and robust approach to address the multifaceted challenges of our era. This study showcases the promising landscape of social innovation in Malaysia, guided especially by UiTM lecturers and poised to reshape the trajectory of sustainable development.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3387/12/3/103