TUBA ISLAND, 9 August 2026 – The SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp 2026 has successfully helped students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Langkawi, Pulau Tuba, Kedah, enhance their English language proficiency.

Speaking at the programme, ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, said the Community-Based Language Learning (CBLL) programme, which began in May 2025, focuses on the holistic development of students based on the JERI framework, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development.

“Through this initiative, English Language is not merely viewed as an examination subject but as a practical tool that enables students to convey ideas, communicate effectively, understand local needs, develop projects, engage with entrepreneurs and present solutions.

“This project is supported by grant funding from Yayasan Hasanah and stakeholders who are committed to community development,” he said in his speech.

He added that the success of the initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including Yayasan Hasanah, BESTUBA, schools, educational agencies, community members and industry partners, as well as the strong support of the Pulau Tuba community.

“The implementation of the SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp 2026 reflects the spirit of ���ϳԹ���’s Ilmu, Budi, Bakti slogan, translated into action, leadership and service to ensure that the 250 participants benefit from English language skills relevant to Pulau Tuba’s position as a tourist destination,” he said.

The SE-Budi Hasanah initiative is founded on the belief that talent development should not be limited by geographical boundaries. Accordingly, participants were exposed to language development, resilience building, mentoring, leadership, community engagement and social entrepreneurship to equip them with practical skills relevant to their everyday lives and future aspirations.

The Vice-Chancellor also congratulated the SE-Budi Hasanah team, Yayasan Hasanah, teachers, mentors, strategic partners and the residents of Pulau Tuba for their contributions to the successful implementation of the programme and its positive impact on the participating students.

Meanwhile, students from SMK Langkawi who participated in the programme expressed their appreciation to the organisers for bringing the SE-Budi Hasanah Language and Resilience Bootcamp to Pulau Tuba.

One of the participants, Form Three student Danial Haziq Md Hapizi, said he found the JERI-based programme beneficial, particularly in enhancing his English language skills.

For Form Five student Muhammad Iqbal Danish Khairulnizam, the programme helped build his confidence in using English in everyday communication.

“Pulau Tuba is one of the destinations visited by foreign tourists, and improving my English will help me introduce Pulau Tuba more effectively through social media,” he said.

Another participant, 16-year-old Nurul Nazifa Mohd Hafiz, praised the commitment demonstrated by the instructors and mentors, saying their dedication encouraged participants to remain engaged and enthusiastic throughout the programme.

She also expressed hope that the initiative would continue in the future to further develop the potential of students in Pulau Tuba, noting that CBLL provides a strategic approach to connecting language learning with students’ real-life experiences within the community.

The CBLL framework extends beyond English language proficiency by emphasising students’ understanding of their community and its unique context. The learning modules incorporate elements of the environment, culture, social entrepreneurship and identity building, providing participants with opportunities to use English authentically in real-life situations rather than solely within the classroom.

SINTOK, 3 August 2026: ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���), through the School of Government (SoG), will introduce the Master of Public Policy programme to strengthen the competencies of policy-makers and policy implementers through an evidence-based, data-driven approach and strategic solutions.

���ϳԹ��� Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said that the programme is designed to produce public sector leaders who are knowledgeable, uphold integrity, and are capable of addressing the challenges of governance in an increasingly complex and dynamic administrative environment.

According to him, the programme is specifically tailored to strengthen the competencies of civil servants, particularly policy-makers and policy implementers, enabling them to formulate, implement and evaluate public policies in a more strategic, inclusive, holistic, evidence-based and data-driven manner.

SoG has, through its Master of Public Management (MPM) programme, which has been offered for over two decades, has produced over 1,000 alumni who are now serving in various ministries, departments, government agencies, local authorities and statutory bodies.

“We want SoG to be empowered as the country’s leading reference centre in the field of public policy and public service transformation,” he said while delivering his welcome speech at the ILTIZAM 2026 Convention held at the Mu’adzam Shah Hall, today.

Meanwhile, ���ϳԹ��� continues to strengthen its role as the Government’s strategic partner in advancing public sector reform by showcasing its expertise in research, policy development and human capital at the ILTIZAM 2026 Convention, which brought together over 1,200 participants from across the country.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha said that the trust placed in ���ϳԹ��� as a strategic partner in organising the convention reflects recognition of the University’s strengths in the fields of management, public administration and policy development.

According to him, the convention theme, which focuses on efficiency, intelligence, accountability and public service transformation, is closely aligned with the country’s aspiration to build a public sector that is agile, responsive to the needs of the people and founded on integrity.

“Today’s public service requires a transformational leap that is not only driven by speed of action, but is also underpinned by sound governance and high accountability.

“As the country’s leading management university, ���ϳԹ��� is always ready to be the backbone of the public service empowerment agenda through research, education and leadership development,” he said.

He said that ���ϳԹ��� possesses extensive expertise in the fields of accounting, Islamic banking, public management, finance, law, transportation and logistics, and continuously enhances these strengths to produce graduates and academic programmes that meet the country’s evolving needs.

According to him, ���ϳԹ��� researchers also contribute directly to the Government’s transformation agenda through various high-impact studies, including the development of the HEMA Index in collaboration with the Public Service Department (JPA), a data analytics framework for Continuous Audit with the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia, the development of a holistic public sector sustainability investment framework, a local authority workload audit and an assessment of the competency and leadership of the Royal Malaysia Police.

He said the findings of these studies not only strengthen the Government’s service delivery system but also serve as valuable references for governance, risk management, public sector innovation and policy reform across various ministries and agencies.

“From the perspective of academic publications, ���ϳԹ��� researchers continue to contribute to the knowledge development through books and scholarly articles on public sector human resource transformation, governance enhancement, governance practices, smart cities and community participation in local administration,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha also reaffirmed ���ϳԹ���’s commitment to strengthening public sector human capital development through the provision of flexible postgraduate programmes at both the Sintok Campus and ���ϳԹ��� Kuala Lumpur Campus (���ϳԹ���KL), thus enabling civil servants to further their academic qualifications without compromising their professional responsibilities.

According to him, close collaboration between universities and the public sector will continue to be strengthened to ensure that research, innovation and academic expertise are translated into practical solutions that directly contribute to national development and the well-being of the people.

He expressed hope that the ILTIZAM 2026 Convention would serve as a platform for knowledge dissemination, the sharing of best practices and the catalyst for a meaningful paradigm shift in the country’s public service.

Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; Director-General of the Public Service, Tan Sri Dr. Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim; Secretaries-General of ministries; Chairman of the ���ϳԹ��� Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Yusoff; vice-chancellors and rectors of Malaysian public and private universities; as well as senior officials from ministries, ���ϳԹ��� and related agencies.

SINTOK, 3 August 2026: Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, stressed that civil service reform is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure that the government’s delivery system remains efficient, upholds integrity, meets the expectations of the people and enhances the country’s competitiveness.

He said this when delivering the keynote address at the ILTIZAM 2026 Convention: Driving Efficiency, Accountability and Public Service Reform at the Mu’adzam Shah Hall, ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���), today.

According to him, every civil servant must embrace the concept of absolute accountability (mas’ul) by recognising that every decision, delay, abuse of power and action taken will be subject to scrutiny and accountability. He added that leadership founded on integrity is the cornerstone of building a public service that earns the trust of the people.

“Continuous reform and improvement in public service delivery is not an option, but a necessity that we must uphold.

“Every rule, requirement and procedure must always be tested with one simple question: does it truly make things easier for the people or does it merely add to their burden?” he said.

Shamsul Azri said that the implementation of the ILTIZAM Government Service Efficiency Act 2025 serves as an important legal instrument to reduce bureaucratic red tape and strengthen the efficiency of government service delivery, in line with the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA).

He said that, to date, 439 Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) projects have been successfully completed since 2024, resulting in an estimated compliance cost savings amounting to RM2.95 billion for the public and the business community.

He also revealed that these reform achievements had contributed to Malaysia’s improved performance in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2026, with the country climbing eight places to 15th position among 70 global economies, while the government efficiency indicator rose to 14th place and the Bureaucracy indicator was ranked sixth globally.

According to him, the Regulatory Burden indicator, which was newly introduced in the WCR 2026 report, also placed Malaysia in a strong position, ranking 11th in the world.

He said these achievements demonstrate that efforts to strengthen governance can enhance investor confidence and reinforce the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Commenting on the country’s digitalisation agenda, he said that the launch of the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030): Towards an AI Nation marks a new chapter enabling the public sector to emerge as a leader in digital transformation by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in an ethical, responsible and high-impact manner.

“Public services can no longer merely be users of technology. Instead, it must possess strong digital literacy, master future-ready skills and harness data to formulate more accurate policies, accelerate service delivery and improve the well-being of the people,” he said.

He stressed that the true measure of a government’s success does not lie solely in reports or statistics, but in the extent to which its policies have succeeded in easing the burden on the people and enhancing business competitiveness.

In this regard, he called on all civil servants to have the courage to reform outdated procedures, strengthen a culture of innovation and prioritise outcomes over processes to ensure that every government policy delivers meaningful benefits to the people.

Concluding his keynote speech, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri emphasised that the success of public sector reform requires a comprehensive commitment from all stakeholders to build a delivery system that is more efficient, responsive, integrity-driven and trusted, thereby elevating Malaysia’s standing as a competitive nation on the global stage.

He also launched the ILTIZAM logo and the Public Service Performance Index (I-PPA), presented the Copyright Notification Certificates for the ILTIZAM and I-PPA logos, witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between INTAN and ���ϳԹ��� as strategic partners of the convention, and launched the ���ϳԹ��� Sustainable Campus initiative.

Also present were the Director-General of Public Service, Tan Sri Dr. Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim; Secretaries-General of ministries; Chairman of the ���ϳԹ��� Board of Directors, Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Yusoff; Vice-Chancellor of ���ϳԹ���, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed; vice-chancellors and rectors of Malaysian public and private universities, as well as senior officials from the ministries, ���ϳԹ��� and related agencies.

SINTOK, 6 April 2026: The Hijau Kuning Cafeteria at ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) has been given a fresh new lease of life with its new look as it is officially reopened as one of the main focal points for the campus community, rekindling nostalgia for an iconic location that has remained close to the hearts of ���ϳԹ��� campus community since the university’s inception.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said that the rebranding and upgrading of the complex not only enhances the existing facilities, but also reflects the university’s identity as a university that values professional and inclusive management.

According to him, the cafeteria, which was first established around 1990, once served as a vibrant social hub for students and the university community, particularly among the generation of students in the 1990s.

“This is where we used to gather, exchange ideas, and strengthen our bonds. This place holds countless memories for the ���ϳԹ��� campus community,” he said during the Handover Ceremony for the Completion of the ���ϳԹ��� Hijau Kuning Cafeteria Project, held today.

The upgrading project, valued at approximately RM5.7 million, was implemented through the collaboration of the Department of Development and Infrastructure Management (JPPI) and the appointed contractor, Bayu Gemilang Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd., which successfully completed the works on schedule and to a satisfactory standard.

The upgraded cafeteria is now equipped with a range of modern amenities, including disabled-friendly facilities such as designated parking spaces, improved access routes, and more inclusive wash areas, in line with the university’s commitment to accessibility and user comfort.

Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha added that the cafeteria’s strategic location, situated between the university’s administrative complex and lecture halls, makes it especially well-suited to serve as a central point of interaction for the campus community, including lecturers, administrators, support staff and students.

At the same time, he also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in ensuring the successful completion of the project and voiced his hope that the facilities would be well maintained so that they may continue to serve the university community for years to come.

The ceremony continued with a symbolic handover of the project, beginning with the Director of Bayu Baling Engineering Sdn. Bhd., Mr. Ishak Moktar, who presented the mock key to the Director of JPPI, Ir. Hamdan Noh. The mock key was then handed over to the Director of Business Strategy and Development Department (BSD), Assoc. Prof. Dr Zainudin Omar, in the presence of the Vice- Chancellor.

Meanwhile, the Director of BSD announced that the Hijau Kuning Cafeteria is expected to commence operations on 12 April, once all preparatory arrangements, including the stocking of goods and business setup, have been completed.

Also present were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad and senior university officials.

SINTOK, 1 April 2026 – A special engagement session between the Vice-Chancellor and academic staff from the School of Economics, Finance and Banking (SEFB), the Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA), and the Islamic Business School (IBS) was held at the ���ϳԹ��� CAS Seminar Hall yesterday.

The session was organised as a platform to share perspectives, align aspirations, and clarify the university’s direction in its continued efforts to strengthen academic quality and institutional excellence.

More importantly, the programme also served to foster closer ties between the university management and academic staff, while creating space for open and constructive dialogue on matters related to teaching, research, and academic development.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, said that TISSA has consistently demonstrated its ability to produce graduates who remain relevant and responsive to current industry and professional needs.

He also acknowledged the important contributions of SEFB and IBS to the university’s broader achievements, including the notable success of IBS in gaining recognition through its inclusion among internationally recognised programmes.

“This session provides an important opportunity for the university management to engage directly with lecturers, thereby strengthening collaboration between the schools and the university leadership. At the same time, it serves as a valuable channel for academic staff to share views, suggestions, and feedback,” he said.

He further urged all parties to remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining the quality and relevance of academic programmes, while continuing to produce graduates who are competitive, competent, and aligned with international standards.

The engagement session also reflected ���ϳԹ���’s ongoing commitment to strengthening communication, mutual understanding, and continuous collaboration between the university management and its academic community in advancing the university’s educational mission.

���ϳԹ��� ONLINE – ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) continues to strengthen its standing on the international stage in the field of Accounting and Finance, rising to the 101–150 band in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, an improvement from the 151–200 band in the previous edition.

This latest achievement also saw ���ϳԹ��� emerge as the top-ranked university in Malaysia for citation indicators and H-index in the subject area, while placing second overall nationally, behind the University of Malaya.

���ϳԹ��� Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, said the notable achievement was the result of the collective commitment and dedication of the university community, particularly the academic staff of the Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz School of Accountancy (TISSA) and the School of Economics, Finance and Banking (SEFB).

“The university’s improved performance was driven largely by the efforts of TISSA and SEFB academics in producing high-impact research and publications, while also strengthening industry engagement and international collaborations, which have further elevated ���ϳԹ���’s profile at both the national and global levels.

“In addition, the quality and international recognition of our programmes in Accounting, Accounting (Information Systems), International Accounting, Taxation, Finance, Banking and Risk Management have contributed significantly to the strong demand from both local and international students.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all lecturers and the wider ���ϳԹ��� community for this remarkable achievement,” he said in response to the QS global rankings released today.

Prof. Ahmad Martadha added that the success further reinforces ���ϳԹ���’s position as one of the higher education institutions gaining increasing recognition in the fields of management and business.

Beyond Accounting and Finance, ���ϳԹ��� also recorded encouraging progress in other subject areas. The university’s Business & Management Studies and Economics & Econometrics subjects both improved from the 251–300 band in the previous edition to the 201–250 band in the latest rankings.

This achievement reflects ���ϳԹ���’s consistent strength in the fields of business and management, in line with the university’s aspiration to become a leading reference institution in management education in the region.

Meanwhile, ���ϳԹ��� also made a significant milestone by being listed for the first time in the Law subject category of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, debuting in the 351–400 band.

The inaugural inclusion reflects the positive development of the university’s law programme and signals a growing international recognition of ���ϳԹ���’s academic reputation in the discipline.

This success also highlights the breadth of ���ϳԹ���’s academic strengths, which now extend beyond its traditional areas of excellence in management and business to encompass other disciplines, including law.

The university’s performance in the global rankings is driven by several key indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, citations, H-index, and the strength of its international research collaboration network.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 evaluates higher education institutions across 55 individual subjects grouped under five broad subject areas, using assessment components such as academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, H-index, and international research collaboration.

Other ���ϳԹ��� subjects listed in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 include English Language & Literature (301–350), Education (401–450), Mathematics (451–500), and Computer Science & Information Systems (551–600).

The official results of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 are available at 

SINTOK, 4 February 2026: The Vice-Chancellor of ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) recently received the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (PMKS) Entrepreneur Development Blueprint and the Sabah Halal Action Plan 2.0 (2026–2028). The documents were formerly presented by the Chairman of the MUIS Halal Hub, the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), during a session held at EDC-���ϳԹ��� on 1 February.

The handover of these documents underscores ���ϳԹ���’s continued commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial and halal ecosystems through knowledge-driven initiatives, integrity-based governance, and community empowerment. The collaboration is particularly significant for advancing the development of PMKS in Sabah and enhancing their competitiveness at the national level.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in ���ϳԹ��� by the Sabah Islamic Religious Council to serve as a strategic partner in fostering an inclusive economy and advancing the halal industry.

According to him, ���ϳԹ��� is fully prepared to leverage its academic expertise, applied research capabilities, and industry networks to support the effective implementation of both the blueprint and action plan through professional training programmes, entrepreneurial mentoring, technology transfer and systematic impact monitoring.

“This collaboration is expected to open up wider collaboration avenues for partnerships, particularly in joint research, the development of training modules, incubation programmes and the strengthening of the University Halal Hub as a reference centre and catalyst for the growth of PMKS,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of MUIS Halal Hub, Mr Muhammad Sidik bin Awang Adi, explained that the Sabah Halal Action Plan 2.0 (2026–2028) has been carefully designed to reinforce the overall halal value chain in Sabah. The plan encompasses areas such as halal certification, regulatory compliance, entrepreneur capacity development, market access and digital transformation.

He further highlighted that the initiative is also aligned with the aspirations of sustainable development and socio-economic inclusion.

With the acceptance of the blueprint and action plan, ���ϳԹ��� further consolidates its role as an impact-driven university that actively contributes to national priorities in economic development, entrepreneurship and the advancement of the halal industry.

The handover ceremony was also witnessed by members of the research team from the School of Government, ���ϳԹ���.

SINTOK, 2 February 2026: ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) aims to be ranked among the world’s top 300 universities in the QS World University Rankings by 2030 compared to its current position of around 491. Achieving this goal will require more aggressive and decisive action at all levels of university management and faculties.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said that a slow and complacent approach is no longer relevant. Instead, all university staff must move swiftly and remain focused on achieving the key performance indicators (KPIs) that have been set.

“Now is not the time to walk, but the time to run. When someone holds the position of Head of Centre of Authority (PTJ), that is the time to deliver results and achieve targets.

“One of the primary priorities is improving the university’s ranking position in Asia and Southeast Asia, in line with national aspirations and the collective commitment of Vice-Chancellors of public universities across the country,” he said at the Vice-Chancellor’s New Year Address held at EDC-���ϳԹ���, today.

He also highlighted the importance of balancing the ratio of undergraduate and postgraduate students. He noted that leading global universities aim for a near 1:1 ratio, a benchmark recently discussed with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malaya.

For this year, according to him, ���ϳԹ��� is targeting a total enrolment of 3,000 international students across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

“To date, we have recorded 1,919 international student registrations. This shows that more aggressive promotion and student recruitment efforts are needed.

“In response to this need, the University Marketing Division has been rebranded as the Recruitment and Global Engagement Division, with the appointment of young leadership to spearhead the effort. The new direction emphasises active, on-the-ground engagement to attract students, rather than relying solely on conventional promotional activities,” he said.

He also reminded that participation in promotional programmes must yield tangible outcomes, particularly in terms of bringing home a substantial number of new students.

In addition, the university also sees great potential in the field of Early Childhood Education, in line with the nation’s growing demand for qualified teaching staff. ���ϳԹ��� is expected to become the third institution in Malaysia to offer this programme after Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and Open University Malaysia.

“This is the right time for the School of Education (SOE) to move forward. We must reduce bureaucratic red tape, avoid internal conflicts, and focus on the opportunities before us,” he said.

He further emphasised that universities must be proactive and open to strategic collaboration. Institutions should not just wait for opportunities to emerge but must take the initiative to create opportunities in order to ensure the sustainability and long-term excellence of the institution.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Ram Al Jaffri Saad who is also performing the duties of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni); Registrar, Mr Ahmad Rasidi Abdullah and Bursar, Mr Mohtar Hasim.

SINTOK, 2 February 2026: Universities must place strong emphasis on the cultivation of values and ethical character as a fundamental pillar in producing academics and students who are balanced in terms of knowledge and character, rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.

Delivering his New Year address themed ‘Advancing Knowledge, Upholding Values’, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed emphasised that values form the core foundation of a harmonious and respectful campus ecosystem grounded in universal human principles.

According to him, the university does not aim to produce scholars who are highly knowledgeable but deficient in character. Instead, the goal is to nurture individuals who possess intellectual excellence alongside strong ethical values, mutual respect, and the ability to engage constructively and wisely with others, whether among colleagues, students or administrators.

“Values encompass respect for one another, openness to differing views, sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity, and the ability to interact thoughtfully with all members of the university community,” he said at the Vice-Chancellor’s New Year Address and Presentation of Appointment Letters to Key Office Bearers of the Year 2026 at EDC-���ϳԹ���, earlier today.

He further emphasised that the focus on values aligns with ���ϳԹ���’s   aspiration to become a leading institution, not only in terms of academic excellence and areas of focus, but also in nurturing individuals of integrity and high moral standing.

At the same juncture, he highlighted that the directives and addresses of the Minister of Higher Education and the Chief Secretary to the Government, particularly those outlined in the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, will be formulated and incorporated into the university’s strategic planning framework.

Among the eight key national higher education initiatives receiving priority are the assurance of university placements for outstanding students, the introduction of free education for students with disabilities (OKU), the enhancement of student welfare, and the provision of more conducive learning environments.

In this regard, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha urged all heads of departments to be more attentive and responsive to the needs of students with disabilities, in line with the government’s commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity.

The university also plans to establish a dedicated department for persons with disabilities, aimed at ensuring that the welfare of both disabled students and staff is managed more effectively and systematically.

Additionally, efforts to expand student accommodation facilities are currently being discussed with government-linked companies (GLCs). The university is also strengthening the role of the general studies subjects (MPU), particularly history, as a vital component in shaping national identity and future direction.

He encouraged historians and academics at ���ϳԹ��� to contribute actively to public discourse by writing and sharing insights through mainstream media on the importance of historical awareness, especially among the younger generation.

In the context of the Ministry of Higher Education’s thrust, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha underscored the role of academia as nation-builders and highlighted the importance of empowering students to participate meaningfully in university decision-making processes.

“These students need to be given opportunities to be directly involved, whether in university committees, student affairs or leadership platforms so that they emerge as resilient, independent and civic-minded graduates.

“An emphasis on the balance of knowledge with strong ethical values is essential to producing a society that is not only physically and intellectually advanced, but also firmly rooted in strong traditional and Eastern values,” he said.

During the ceremony, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha also presented letters of appointment to key university office bearers for the year 2026.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) who is also performing the duties of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad; Registrar, Mr Ahmad Rasidi Abdullah and Bursar, Mr Mohtar Hasim.

SINTOK, Kedah, 31 January 2026: ���ϳԹ��� (���ϳԹ���) marked another significant milestone in strengthening its student entrepreneurship ecosystem with the launch of MyKIOSK@Kampus at the MyKIOSK@Kampus site, ���ϳԹ��� Outcampus Student Residential Hall (INASIS).

���ϳԹ��� has made history as the first public higher education institution (HEI) in Malaysia to implement the MyKIOSK@Kampus initiative within a university campus through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).

This initiative opens entrepreneurial opportunities for students and the surrounding community, reflecting the continued commitment of both the university and the ministry to nurturing young entrepreneurs who are competitive, innovative and ethical.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad, ���ϳԹ��� Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed emphasised that the initiative provides students with a more conducive, structured, and competitive business platform.

He noted that the placement of 13 MyKIOSK@Kampus units at ���ϳԹ��� not only offers students competitive business spaces but also supports the university’s aspiration to produce outstanding young entrepreneurs with strong integrity.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Datuk Wira Dr M. Noor Azman Taib, Secretary -General for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Development.

In his address, he explained that MyKIOSK is an initiative introduced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and was implemented nationwide from 2023 to 2024 to assist small entrepreneurs in operating their business in safer, cleaner and more orderly environments.

He further added that throughout the implementing period, approximately 7000 MyKIOSK units have been distributed nationwide in collaboration with the local authorities.

Apart from that, he also announced an allocation of RM 50000 for repair works on damaged kiosks and informed that the ministry would review the remaining 20 kiosk units previously requested by ���ϳԹ���.

Meanwhile, one of the managers of Ghedup, Mr. Farid Danial Mohd. Fisol (21), a student from the Business Administration programme, expressed hope that the number of business sites around ���ϳԹ��� campus would be expanded. He stated that such a move would provide more opportunities for students to venture into entrepreneurship and help create a more vibrant and competitive student business ecosystem.