UMK is devoted to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment. By providing knowledge, training, and opportunities, the university helps individuals and communities build self-reliance and economic resilience. UMK believes that poverty can be eradicated when people are equipped with the skills and resources needed to create sustainable livelihoods.
ADVANCING EQUITY THROUGH INCLUSIVE ADMISSIONS
In 2024, UMK proudly welcomed 1,571 students through this Special Entry Path empowering them with opportunities for academic success, economic mobility, and a brighter future. Through these efforts, UMK continues to play a meaningful role in reducing poverty and promoting social equity in Malaysia.
EMPOWERING STUDENT FROM LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES
Nur Syazwana and Nur Syazwani, identical twins from a modest-income family, who successfully completed their studies during UMK’s 12th Convocation. Despite financial constraints and challenges during the COVID-19 lockdown including damaged laptops and limited resources both graduates persevered with support from lecturers, peers and university welfare assistance. Their resilience reflects UMK’s commitment to supporting low-income students towards successful graduation and future entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.
HOLISTIC SUPPORT FOR LOW INCOME STUDENT SUCCESS
1. HOUSING / ACCOMMODATION
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan provides housing support for students from low-income families. First-year students are required to stay in UMK college, and priority is given to B40, poor, asnaf, and students with disabilities. Additionally, UMK offers free home accommodation for selected low-income students through the UMK Islamic Centre.
b) Student Kitchen
UMK’s Welfare and Student Discipline Division, with Jeli Campus Administration and the Islamic Centre, organised the Dapur Pelajar programme, preparing and distributing 70 rewang-style lunch packs to Asnaf and B40 students. With strong support from Dr. Hafizoh, the initiative received great response and will continue weekly at Kota and Bachok campuses.
During the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, the Welfare and Student Discipline Division delivered 10 Raya Aid Baskets to B40 students at UMK Jeli and UMK Bachok campuses. These baskets, containing essential items for the festive season, were given to support students in need and to ease their financial burden, allowing them to celebrate Hari Raya with joy and dignity.
In conjunction with Ramadan, the Bureau of Student Welfare and Discipline (BKTP) extended support to off-campus students in Bachok through the Seikhlas Ramadan Bersama Pelajar Luar Kampus programme. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (HEPA) personally met with students and presented Sumbangan Rahmah packages containing essential items to help ease their financial burden during the holy month.
a) Education Allowance Aid
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan offers a monthly Education Allowance Aid to selected asnaf students throughout their studies. Pusat Islam conducts visits to families of asnaf students to assess their living conditions. Eleven critically needy students have been selected to receive RM300 monthly until graduation, ensuring sustained financial support for academic continuity.
b) Education Fees Aid
UMK provides Education Fees Aid every semester to students in need. Applications are submitted to Pusat Islam via faculties, followed by interviews to ensure only deserving students receive support. This aid primarily benefits students without PTPTN sponsorship due to extended study periods. Each year, 250 students receive RM1,500 in assistance.
c) Education Support Aid
Education Support Aid is a one-off incentive awarded to selected students each semester. Pusat Islam advertises the scheme and provides application forms before conducting interviews to identify recipients. A total of 400 students benefit from RM500 per semester, offering crucial financial relief to support academic needs and essential student expenses.
STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL ACCESS FOR BOTTOM 20% STUDENTS
Through structured and transparent processes, UMK ensures equitable distribution of financial aid to deserving students. The combination of monthly allowances, semester-based fee support, and one-off assistance strengthens financial resilience among low-income student groups, reinforcing UMK’s commitment to educational access, student welfare, and successful academic completion for financially challenged students.
a) 132 UMK Students Receive RM66,000 in Educational Assistance Under the KPT-PTPTN Prihatin Programme
A total of 132 UMK students received RM500 each under the KPT-PTPTN Prihatin Education Assistance Programme, amounting to RM66,000. Presented by PTPTN and UMK leadership, this one-off aid supports low-income students in easing financial burdens, promoting academic success, and encouraging continued excellence throughout their tertiary education journey.
b) UMK CARE Assists B40 and Asnaf Students
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, through the UMK Care initiative, provided five laptops and 15 food packs to B40 and asnaf students, demonstrating strong commitment to student welfare. This programme supports financially challenged students by ensuring access to essential resources and fostering a caring, inclusive campus environment to help them succeed throughout their studies.
The Student Affairs Office (HEPA) of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) offers various initiatives and special assistance for new students enrolling for the September 2024/2025 academic session. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive student welfare support and facilities.
d) UMK CAKNA
UMK’s BKTP successfully carried out an outreach programme in Pasir Mas, supporting Asnaf and B40 students. The Vice-Chancellor, accompanied by HEPA, faculty, Islamic Centre, and MPP representatives, presented contributions including essentials, study kits, one-semester fee support, and cash aid. This initiative reinforces UMK’s commitment to supporting student welfare until graduation.
e) UMK CAKNA
UMK’s HEPA held the Ziarah Kasih programme in Kuala Krai, visiting an outstanding international student, Harteenee Waekuechi, who achieved a perfect CGPA of 4.00 in STPM 2023 and will enroll at UMK in October 2024. As an asnaf student, she will receive special study financing, cash aid, a new-student kit, and logistics support, with UMK ensuring continued welfare assistance until graduation.
UMK'S COMITMENTS TO GLOBAL STUDENT WELFARE AND ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION
a) UMK Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Administered by the University Education Scholarship Committee (Jawatankuasa Biasiswa Pendidikan Universiti, JKBPU), the award is granted based on academic merit, research potential, and contribution to the university community.
Cik Harteenee comes from a Malaysia–Thailand cross-border family residing in Kg. Dusun Nyior, Kuala Krai. Her family faced significant hardship after losing their home in the 2014 major floods, and her parents rely on rubber tapping as their primary source of income. Despite these socioeconomic challenges, she has consistently shown strong academic commitment and resilience, earning the distinction of being the first UMK student to receive a full Dean’s Scholarship throughout her studies. This contribution not only recognises her perseverance but also reflects UMK’s dedication to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing and completing their higher education.
COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT AND SUSTAINABLE BUSSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
UMK actively supports the development of financially and socially sustainable community businesses through a wide range of educational and capacity-building initiatives, in line with SDG 1 (No Poverty). As an entrepreneurship-focused university, UMK provides continuous assistance to local communities through structured mentorship programmes, hands-on training workshops, business coaching, and technical advisory sessions conducted by academic experts and industry partners. Community members are regularly granted access to university facilities—including laboratories, makerspaces, innovation hubs, and training centres—to support product development, testing, and business incubation. Through programmes such as community entrepreneurship training, micro-business upskilling, rural economic empowerment initiatives, and social enterprise development, UMK plays a vital role in strengthening economic resilience among low-income groups. These initiatives not only empower communities to start and sustain viable businesses but also contribute to long-term poverty alleviation and inclusive socio-economic growth in the region.
a) YaPEIM – Maybank Islamic Community Inspirasipreneur Ayam Kampung Kacuk Program
The YaPEIM – Maybank Islamic Community Inspirasipreneur Ayam Kampung Kacuk Program is a collaborative initiative with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to establish a Kampung Kacuk Poultry Industry Complex at the Rehabilitation Centre in Kg Aur Telong, Kelantan. This project aims to empower the disabled (OKU) community and their families by providing poultry farming and entrepreneurship skills to enhance their socioeconomic well-being and create sustainable income opportunities. A total of 100 participants are involved, supported through the construction of 70 chicken coops, expansion of production capacity to 35,000 chickens per cycle, and development of a processing centre and feed factory with a weekly production capacity of five tonnes. Each participant is expected to earn approximately RM1,750 per production cycle. This programme not only supports financial independence for the OKU community but also contributes to developing a poultry farming ecosystem in Kelantan, benefiting local farmers through feed supply and integrated industry support.
b) YaPEIM – Maybank Islamic Community Inspirasipreneur Soft Fish Enterprise Project
The YaPEIM – Maybank Islamic Community Inspirasipreneur Soft Fish Enterprise Project aims to strengthen and expand the soft fish processing social enterprise established in 2019 at the Tok Bali Fishermen Resettlement, Kelantan. The initiative, which began with 11 fisherwomen participants, has successfully increased household income through value-added seafood processing. This project seeks to scale up production and marketing capabilities to enhance economic sustainability for the community. Key objectives include obtaining Halal certification for the processing facilities, establishing a downstream spin-off company, strengthening product branding, and empowering participants through improved marketing and sales strategies. The project also aims to position soft fish products as a tourism highlight in Tok Bali by opening dedicated outlets and food business premises. Expected outcomes include producing at least 10 sales agents among participants and unemployed graduates, developing soft fish as a signature local product, and establishing two business locations, including one strategically-located outlet.
The “i-SEe” Ecosystem is a social enterprise platform designed to empower poor entrepreneurs in Kelantan by strengthening their business identity and capacity. It consists of six incubators: FOOD-i, i-CLINIC, FITRA-i, LEGACY-i, NBe-i, and FUTURE-i, offering holistic support in entrepreneurship, branding, poverty mapping, and personal development. Participants selected for this programme must complete structured training sessions provided by InsPeK. The initiative aims to identify entrepreneurial potential, increase income, and enhance professionalism. Expected outcomes include improved monthly earnings, higher productivity, and greater community participation in entrepreneurship, driven by enhanced knowledge, skills, and opportunities through this social enterprise ecosystem
d) Empowerment of Seafood Processing and Drying Centre for Poor Communities in Pantai Geting, Tumpat, Kelantan
The Empowerment of Seafood Processing and Drying Centres for Poor Communities in Pantai Geting, Tumpat, Kelantan aims to strengthen local marine-based social enterprises by upgrading processing and drying facilities to meet proper operational standards. This initiative will enhance efficiency in handling marine resources, reduce drying time through improved systems, and ensure cleaner, longer-lasting products. The programme seeks to increase income opportunities, improve labour efficiency, and uplift the socioeconomic status of poor coastal communities. It will also support gastronomic tourism in Tumpat, expand micro-entrepreneurship activities, and reinforce the marine product value chain, serving as a model for local economic empowerment and sustainable community-based enterprise development.
The Extreme Poor Eradication Program (BMT) supports Malaysia’s goal of achieving zero hardcore poverty by 2025 through a new whole-of-nation approach. Implemented using bottom-up strategies that emphasise local solutions, the programme coordinates efforts at federal, state, and district levels to ensure targeted and effective poverty intervention. The Institute of Poverty Research and Management (InsPeK), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, serves as the main strategic partner responsible for monitoring programme implementation in Kelantan and Terengganu from 2022 to 2025. Key efforts include programme monitoring, ensuring delivery of intended outcomes, and organising motivational and digital entrepreneurship training to empower participants and elevate them out of extreme poverty
f) Grey Oyster Mushroom Empowerment Program for the Orang Asli Community in Sungai Rual, Jeli, Kelantan
The Grey Oyster Mushroom Empowerment Program for the Orang Asli Community in Sungai Rual, Jeli, Kelantan began in November 2020 with five Orang Asli youths determined to improve their economic well-being. Phase 1 successfully involved caring for mature mushroom blocks, harvesting, and selling fresh mushrooms. Building on this success, Phase 2 focuses on producing mushroom blocks independently to ensure project sustainability and expand income opportunities. This phase includes knowledge transfer in mushroom block production, constructing a mushroom workshop, acquiring specialised machinery, and developing downstream products. The initiative also promotes compost production from used blocks and equips participants with basic entrepreneurship skills while positioning Sungai Rual as a hub for high-quality oyster mushrooms.
g) E-Ruminan Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Ecosystem Development Programme
The E-Ruminan Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Ecosystem Development Programme focuses on upgrading local ruminant feed production through advanced silage technology. Silage fermentation enables grass to be preserved for up to 24–36 months, and with TMR innovation, it can be formulated to offer optimal nutrition for livestock. This initiative supports large-scale feed production for domestic and export markets, benefiting feedlot operations through reduced feeding costs, healthier animals, and improved meat quality. The programme includes establishing a TMR processing facility, transferring technical knowledge, and expanding Napier grass cultivation. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance local feed self-sufficiency and improve the socioeconomic status of asnaf communities involved.
h) AsDidik Programme: Empowering Education and Shifting the Mindset of Asnaf Children
The AsDidik Programme: Empowering Education and Shifting the Mindset of Asnaf Children aims to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty among asnaf families by nurturing confidence, discipline, and educational excellence. Many asnaf households remain trapped in poverty across generations, making intervention crucial. This programme focuses on guiding children to recognise their potential, develop strong academic foundations, and cultivate spiritual resilience and motivation. Through structured academic support, spiritual enrichment, and motivational modules, AsDidik empowers students to work harder, dream bigger, and pursue life-changing goals. Ultimately, the initiative aspires to produce educated, self-reliant individuals capable of uplifting their families and breaking free from poverty
i) A-Transform Freshwater Fish Farming Transformation Project
The A-Transform Freshwater Fish Farming Transformation Project aims to empower asnaf communities in Jeli, Kelantan through sustainable aquaculture entrepreneurship. As part of Malaysia’s national economic revitalisation strategy, the programme builds on the UMK-APPGM initiative by training selected asnaf individuals in modern freshwater fish cultivation, including species such as catfish, patin, and tilapia. Supported through InsPeK Corporate Zakat Responsibility (i-CZR) Etiqa Takaful funding, the project integrates innovative farming technology, knowledge transfer, and hands-on training to enhance productivity and fish health. Expected outcomes include increased income, a more organised aquaculture system, and the development of a skilled, independent, and competitive asnaf community capable of participating in commercial aquaculture markets.
k) UCSE Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Food Program
The UCSE Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Food Program for Asnaf in Kelantan, developed through Kitchen4U, is a hybrid social enterprise model combining market-based strategies with social incubation. It empowers vulnerable groups such as asnaf women, single mothers, OKU, and low-income families through hands-on training in retort food technology and entrepreneurship. Participants are involved in every stage, including cooking, technology application, cost management and marketing, fostering active decision-making and ownership. The program has shown positive impact, improving participants’ technical competence in RTE production, strengthening entrepreneurial skills such as pricing and marketing, and enhancing soft skills like confidence, communication, and leadership.
l) Lembah Barakah: Social Enterprise Hub for Downstream Product
Lembah Barakah: Social Enterprise Hub for Downstream Product Processing is an initiative by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to empower the pondok community in Tumpat, Kelantan through a structured social enterprise ecosystem. This program integrates the expertise and resources of five key stakeholders, including UMK, UMS, and USIM, to drive innovation and sustainable community development. Focused under the Regional Sustainability theme, the initiative aims to enhance socio-economic wellbeing, build capacity, and support income-generating activities based on modern technology and value-added product processing. Ultimately, the program strives to uplift low-income pondok families and help them escape poverty through a sustainable social enterprise framework
n) Wakaf Technology for Transforming Saltwater Fish Farmers
Wakaf Technology for Transforming Saltwater Fish Farmers in Semerak, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan aims to empower low-income coastal communities involved in saltwater fish farming. Despite strong market demand, many farmers face low productivity due to traditional farming practices, poor-quality fish fry, and inadequate feed, which also leads to environmental issues. This programme focuses on transferring modern aquaculture technology and sustainable feed production to improve fish growth, health, and water quality. Key goals include enhancing farming skills, increasing output, and boosting income for the community. By strengthening knowledge, technology adoption, and sustainable practices, this initiative seeks to transform traditional farmers into competitive and self-reliant aquaculture entrepreneurs.
s) Business 101” NADI X Entrepreneur Program
In conjunction with the National Cleanliness Policy Campaign by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the Jeli District Council (MDJ), in collaboration with the Faculty of Bioengineering and Technology (FBKT), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, successfully organised a Soap-Making Workshop and a Compost Fertilizer Workshop on 12 September 2024 at Lata Renyok, Jeli, Kelantan. A total of 40 participants from the Jeli area took part, with 20 individuals in each workshop. Participants learned to produce soap using used cooking oil and clean oil, while the compost workshop introduced a food-waste management system that converts waste into liquid and solid compost. This programme strengthened collaboration between the local authority, university, and community while supporting the National Cleanliness Policy
UMK'S FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY- BASED SUSTAINABLE START UPS
a) Bank Rakyat Unipreneur Program 3.0
Bank Rakyat Unipreneur 3.0 is a social finance initiative designed for asnaf and B40 student entrepreneurs in local universities. Its primary aim is to nurture promising student entrepreneurs by providing funding, entrepreneurial training, mentorship, and financial management guidance. Under this programme, 20 student entrepreneurs were selected and supervised by 10 expert mentor lecturers. Running from June to December 2023, the programme includes structured training through five key modules: Entrepreneurial Character Development, Business Model Canvas, Financial and Business Management Fundamentals, Effective Product Branding, and Digital Marketing and Marketplace. Participants also receive continuous monitoring and support from their university entrepreneurship centre.
b) New Breed Marketing Entrepreneur Program
The New Breed Marketing Entrepreneur Program aims to train students with essential entrepreneurship knowledge to help them generate income while studying and after graduation. Through a collaboration between FAMA and UMK, participants are guided to become digital agro-food marketing entrepreneurs. The program also seeks to expand product networks, develop young entrepreneurs, and foster a job-creator mindset among university students. Targeting youth aged 17 to 25, it involves 150 participants from UMK, public and private universities, vocational colleges, community colleges, and polytechnics in Kelantan. Participants learn digital marketing skills through a dropship model using the Agrobazaar Online platform.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COMMUNITY BASED SUSTAINABLE START UPS
A mobile hydroelectric power system was installed in Kampung Redip, Pos Hau, Gua Musang through a research-funded initiative. The installation required high-pressure water, sourced from a location 400 metres uphill, and involved challenging late-night pipe-laying work. The system successfully generated electricity to power a community reception house and an open hall. In addition, portable battery-powered water filters were donated to support local needs
b) Rural Agropeneur Program: Empowering Local Community Economies
The Rural Agropeneur Program: Empowering Local Community Economies for Integrated and Sustainable Health Management was successfully implemented under the leadership of Dr. Zubaidah Aimi Hamid, with support from a dedicated project team. This initiative aimed to strengthen rural economic resilience by fostering agri-entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable community health practices. The programme engaged more than 20 local entrepreneurs from the districts of Jeli and Tanah Merah, providing them with practical exposure, training, and guidance in agricultural-based business development. An important component of the initiative included the promotion of Unique19, a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)-based startup platform, introduced by Dr. Sitti Fatimah as a collaborative digital tool to support entrepreneur engagement and market access. Overall, the programme contributed meaningfully to empowering rural communities through sustainable enterprise development, improved resource accessibility, and enhanced entrepreneurial capacity.
The Clean Water Provision Program forms part of the university’s broader initiative to support rural communities through data-driven research and community engagement. This programme aims to assess and address water supply challenges faced by residents of Pulau Renjuna, providing essential insights into local needs and informing more effective development planning by relevant authorities. Through structured surveys and field observations, students gained meaningful exposure to real-world social and infrastructural issues affecting remote island communities. Beyond data collection, direct interaction with local residents enriched the students' experiential learning and strengthened their appreciation of socio-environmental realities. The programme not only contributes to informed policy and rural development strategies but also cultivates social responsibility, empathy, and civic awareness among participating students, reinforcing the university’s commitment to impactful community-based education.
UMK'S ENGANGEMENT IN POLICY INITIATIVES TO ERADICATE POVERTY
a) Consultant to the Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy, Malaysian Parliament
The appointment as a Consultant to the Special Select Committee on Finance and Economy, Malaysian Parliament, reflects a significant recognition of academic and professional expertise in national economic governance. The consultant is responsible for providing expert advisory input and reference materials on key issues related to finance and the economy, contributing to evidence-based policy discussions and decision-making at the parliamentary level. This appointment was endorsed by the Academic Excellence Division, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, based on the appointee's extensive scholarly and practical experience in finance, economics, international investment and trade, global value chains, economic development, and econometrics. This role underscores the impactful contribution of academic experts in shaping national economic strategies, strengthening institutional collaboration between universities and government bodies, and advancing Malaysia’s economic policy landscape through informed, research-driven perspectives.
The involvement in the Preparation of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021–2025) highlights a strategic role in shaping Malaysia’s national development agenda, particularly in the area of poverty eradication and inclusive growth. This engagement focused on developing the policy framework for socio-economic upliftment within the national planning cycles, including the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (2016–2020), its Mid-Term Review (2018–2020), and specifically Chapter 8: Addressing Poverty and Building an Inclusive Society under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. The session centred on formulating strategies to ensure social justice, enhance economic participation among vulnerable communities, and foster inclusive development. Contributions to this initiative supported evidence-based planning and policy alignment toward equitable national progress, reinforcing the importance of academic-government collaboration in advancing Malaysia’s long-term socio-economic objectives.
c) Appointment of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to the Regional Network on Poverty Eradication (RENPER)
The appointment of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) to the Regional Network on Poverty Eradication (RENPER) underscores the university’s leadership role in addressing poverty at the regional level. RENPER is a collaborative platform comprising institutions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, India, and Bangladesh, dedicated to advancing research, knowledge exchange, and policy initiatives related to poverty alleviation. Through this appointment, UMK holds key leadership positions, serving as both President and Secretary-General of RENPER, reflecting regional recognition of its expertise and contributions in inclusive development. This strategic role enables UMK to foster international partnerships, strengthen capacity-building efforts, and drive impactful socio-economic programmes aimed at improving livelihoods across Asia. The appointment further reinforces UMK’s commitment to advancing poverty-eradication initiatives aligned with global development goals.
d) Program Basmi Miskin Tegar (BMT)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), through the Institute of Poverty Research and Management (InsPeK), has been appointed as a strategic partner to the Ministry of Economy for the Program Basmi Miskin Tegar (BMT) for the period 2022–2025. This collaboration aims to support the national agenda to eradicate hardcore poverty through evidence-based planning and systematic programme monitoring. InsPeK plays a key role in conducting poverty mapping, data validation, and socio-economic assessment to ensure accurate identification of beneficiaries and effective implementation of interventions. Additionally, UMK contributes to developing a policy exit framework, enabling participants to achieve sustainable income and transition out of hardcore poverty. This partnership highlights UMK’s commitment to supporting national socio-economic development and aligns with efforts to advance inclusive growth, social mobility, and long-term poverty eradication strategies.
e) Appointment of Felo Institute Masa Hadapan Malaysia (MASA)
The purpose of his appointment as felo is to provide basic backup inputs to help the “ Majlis Pemulihan Negara (MPN) draft the Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN) 2.0 and implement WKB2030 aspirations.
f) Appointment of Member Majlis Pemulihan Negeri Kelantan
The purpose of this appointment is to assist the “Majlis Pemulihan Negeri Kelantan” in providing guidance and guidance in implementing the programs and activities to be carried out to the target groups, namely the people of the disabled (OKU) of various categories to improve their socioeconomic.