Sultan Selangor mahu UiTM terus jadi pintu mobiliti sosial Melayu, Bumiputera

Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah desires to continue UiTM's role as a social mobility gateway for Malay and Bumiputera youths, particularly those from low-income and rural backgrounds, to build a better future through education. He does not want the institution to become marginalized or distant as it grows and succeeds. The Sultan emphasized that a child of a farmer, fisherman, taxi driver, factory worker, or impoverished family in a village should always be assured that if they have the talent and determination to achieve academic heights, UiTM will provide a path for them to change their future.

This passion for UiTM’s struggle should remain strong, said the Sultan at the 2026 UiTM Royal Address titled ‘Achievement of Education as a National Development Institution’ held at Seri Budiman Concert Hall.

UiTM has opened educational spaces that were previously difficult for many Malaysian citizens, transforming it into an essential tool for widening access to higher education. Established in 1965 with around 219 students and 11 faculty members, the institution has rapidly expanded, with student numbers growing to nearly 7,000 and faculty to approximately 1,000 within a decade.

It has offered about 60 courses and expanded branch campuses across several states during this time. Today, UiTM is one of the largest higher education institutions in the country, graduating over 40,000 students annually and producing a total alumni population exceeding one million. With such a large number, the Sultan suggested that alumni contributions should be encouraged through a system, such as a monthly RM10 ($2) or annual RM100 donation, to express gratitude and appreciation for the institution’s service throughout their education journey.

He believes that RM10 monthly contributions are affordable and can be made by every alumni. This sum can be seen as a small sacrifice to ensure UiTM’s survival and progress. The collected funds, potentially reaching RM100 million annually, can not only be used for UiTM’s development across various aspects but also help new and existing students facing poverty and financial struggles in continuing their education.

The Sultan emphasized that the ‘UiTM Dihatiku’ slogan often chanted by students, faculty, and alumni is demonstrably true, and it should be remembered that behind every statistic, there are Malay and Bumiputera children from low-income families who have transformed their lives through education and high-quality learning opportunities at UiTM.

Graduates now hold positions in various industries and sectors, becoming accountants, engineers, doctors, lawyers, architects, academic staff, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists, and leaders in various fields. Some have even managed large organizations, built businesses, created jobs, and directly contribute to national development.

This is a true measure of UiTM’s success, not just in terms of student numbers, graduates, or alumni, but in how the institution has changed the lives of the nation’s children and continues to contribute to national progress.