UiTM Must Remain Accessible To Underprivileged Bumiputera Students - Sultan Sharafuddin

SHAH ALAM, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah wants Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to remain a gateway to social mobility for Malay and Bumiputera youths from low-income families and rural areas.

His Royal Highness said that as UiTM grew and progressed, the target group for whom the institution was originally established should not be left behind or distanced from higher education opportunities.

"The children of farmers, fishermen, drivers, factory workers, or poor rural families must continue to be assured that if they have the ability and determination to pursue knowledge, UiTM will provide the path to transform their future.

"That is the core spirit of UiTM's struggle that must never be lost," His Royal Highness said at the UiTM 2026 Royal Address at Dewan Konsert Seri Budiman here today.

Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, was also in attendance.

The event, organised by the Chair of the Malay Rulers Institution under the Adiwangsa Empowerment Office, was also attended by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the establishment of UiTM had paved a path that was previously difficult for many to access, adding that these efforts bore fruit after the institution, which formed the foundation of today's UiTM, started in 1965 with only about 219 students and 11 lecturers.

His Royal Highness noted that within a decade, student enrolment grew to nearly 7,000 while teaching staff increased to about 1,000, with the university offering around 60 academic programmes and expanding branch campuses to several states.

"Today, UiTM has grown into one of the largest higher learning institutions in the country, producing more than 40,000 graduates annually, while its total alumni network has surpassed one million people.

"With such a vast network, I am confident the contributions of alumni can be leveraged to create a more significant impact. Therefore, I propose that a system be developed to enable each alumnus to contribute at least RM10 a month or RM100 a year to UiTM as a token of appreciation for the institution's service during their studies.

"I believe a RM10 monthly contribution is not burdensome and can be afforded by every alumnus. Consider it a sacrifice to ensure the continuity and progress of UiTM," said His Royal Highness.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the fund, with the potential to raise up to RM100 million annually, could be used for UiTM's development and to assist new and existing students facing financial hardship.

"This is where the 'UiTM Dihatiku' slogan, often chanted by students, academic staff, and alumni, can be meaningfully demonstrated. Beyond the statistics are Malay and Bumiputera children from underprivileged backgrounds who have successfully transformed their lives through education at UiTM.

"Today, UiTM graduates are everywhere, in almost every industry and sector. They are accountants, engineers, doctors, lawyers, architects, academics, entrepreneurs, civil servants, corporate figures, artists, media practitioners, and leaders in various fields.

"Some of them lead major organisations, build businesses, create jobs, and contribute directly to national development.

"This is the true measure of UiTM's success, not merely the number of students, graduates, or alumni, but the extent to which the institution has transformed lives and contributed to the nation's progress," His Royal Highness added.

-- BERNAMA