Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Graces UTM Royal Gala Dinner
On Saturday night, the 2024 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Royal Gala Dinner (UTM RGD) was honored by the presence of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, at a hotel in Putrajaya. The event was also graced by Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.
Key Attendees and Highlights of the Event:
- Raja Zarith Sofiah, UTM chancellor, arrived at 8.20pm and was greeted by dignitaries.
- The biennial dinner started with a video presentation and a speech by Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, UTM vice-chancellor.
- A mock cheque was presented to scholarship and sponsorship recipients during the event.
Impact of UTM RGD:
Since its establishment in 2012, the UTM RGD has been a crucial fundraising platform for the public higher education institution. This year, the event successfully raised RM6.4 million from various contributors.
Scholarship and Endowment Fund:
- UTM has awarded 883 scholarships worth RM25.9 million to its students.
- The UTM endowment fund currently stands at RM159.7 million, supporting the institution’s long-term goals.
Support for Students:
In addition to scholarships, over 100 UTM students from the B40 income group received a living allowance of RM450 per month for two semesters. The institution also extends support to international students, especially those from Palestine.
Serambi Al-Quds Programme:
UTM established the Serambi Al-Quds Programme to sponsor 10 Palestinian students pursuing their PhDs in various fields and faculties since last year, showcasing its commitment to global education initiatives.
Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail expressed gratitude to all donors for their generosity and commitment to UTM’s excellence agenda, emphasizing the meaningful impact of their contributions. – Bernama
Analysis of UTM RGD Impact:
The 2024 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Royal Gala Dinner (UTM RGD) not only celebrated academic achievements but also highlighted the importance of philanthropy in higher education. The event, graced by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, underscored the significant role of fundraising in supporting students’ educational pursuits.
UTM’s commitment to providing scholarships and financial assistance to a diverse student body, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and international communities, demonstrates the institution’s dedication to fostering inclusive education. The establishment of the Serambi Al-Quds Programme further exemplifies UTM’s global outreach efforts in supporting Palestinian students’ academic endeavors.
Through strategic partnerships with government entities, corporate sponsors, alumni, and individual donors, UTM has successfully raised substantial funds to advance its educational initiatives. The endowment fund’s growth reflects the institution’s financial stability and capacity to invest in long-term educational programs and infrastructure.
Overall, the UTM RGD serves as a testament to the collective impact of philanthropy on higher education institutions, showcasing the transformative power of donations in shaping the academic landscape and empowering students to achieve their educational aspirations.