DISCOVER UUM 2016 GIVES PROMINENCE TO UUM AS THE FINEST EDUTOURISM AND ECOTOURISM DESTINATION

UUM ONLINE: In keeping with Discover Kedah 2016 programme, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has initiated a momentous programme aptly called Discover UUM 2016. This initiative promotes the rich and scenic beauty of UUM campus, which is also home to an assortment of precious and exotic flora and fauna.

Besides highlighting the natural scenic beauty of UUM campus, Discover UUM 2016 serves as a platform for UUM to draw attention to other notable merits which includes entrepreneurship and management in the university. This programme is part of the university income generation strategy and this will certainly produce a significant impact on the university promotional activities at the regional and international arena.

The launching ceremony of Discover UUM 2016 was officiated by Yang Berhormat the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh. The event was held at the Ostrich park this morning.

Earlier on, the Minister of Higher Education together with Dato’ Seri Vice-Chancellor and members of the top university management team launched a new iconic landmark located at the roundabout in front of the main entrance to the campus called Bulatan Masa (Clock tower). The minister then proceeded to inspect the troop of personnel from UUM Security Department, Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) and Undergraduate Police Volunteer Corps (SUKSIS).

Soon after, Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh was taken on a boat ride (punting) while enjoying the picturesque view of the campus. The ride took him directly to the ostrich park for the launching ceremony of Discover UUM 2016.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dato' Seri Idris extended his utmost congratulations to UUM and the Vice-Chancellor for the success in obtaining numerous awards and international recognitions throughout the year including the 'Asia Entrepreneur of The Year - Entrepreneurial Spirit Award 2015' and ‘Heritage Brand Award’ from Power Brand as well as the Golden Globe Tiger Awards.

"The success story of the university since its establishment in 1984 proved that UUM has attained a prominent status as a management university and this brand and recognition must be refined and perfected.

He added that, the campus facilities and infrastructure are certainly superior compared to other well-known universities in the world. On top of that, accommodation and amenities for the comfort of local and international students are taken care of by the university.

At the same event, Dato' Seri Idris also launched Discover UUM 2016 booklet and UUM WiFi. He also took the opportunity to join-in a video conference session with the local community representatives who have also benefitted from the free UUM WiFi project. This effort is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) project initiated by UUM. Dato' Seri Idris presented the certificates of commitment to the representatives from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Sintok, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Sintok, CMart Complex and Taman Teja, Changlun.

YB Dato' Seri Idris stated that, UUM is the first public university (UA) to carry-out the CSR project which offers a high-speed internet connection of 5 Gigabit per second (Gbps), the best among local universities.

In attendance during the launching ceremony were the State Assemblyman for Bukit Kayu Hitam, Dato' Hj Ahmad Zaini Japar; Director General of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Dr Jalaluddin Harun; Director of Government Relations & Corporate Affairs Tesco Malaysia, Datuk Azlam Shah Alias; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Assoc. Prof. Dr Abdul Malek Abdul Karim who is also the Chairman of the Working Committee for Discover UUM 2016 programme and the President of Travel Writers Association of Malaysia, Datuk Azlie Halim.

Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor said, the organization of Discover UUM 2016 programme which draws attention to the concepts of edutourism and ecotourismwill promote UUM as the best and reputable education provider.

He expressed his hope that the programme will unequivocally help to increase the number of local and international students and visitors. This, in turn, will benefit the local community and the state of Kedah. The programme aims to generate a revenue amounting to RM5 million and to attract a total of 1 million visitors.

"To achieve the target, the university has lined-up a choice of activities at the schools, departments, institutions, clubs and student residential halls. All staff and approximately 500 student volunteers will be involved in the activities and I hope that UUM Resort will be known as one of the top travel destinations for international tourists,” he added.

The Director General of the Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Dr. Jalaludin Harun and the Director of Government Relations & Corporate Affairs Tesco Malaysia, Datuk Azlam Shah Alias presented 25,000 Karas trees (Aquilaria) and a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Dato’ Seri Vice-Chancellor.

Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh also officiated the newly established Manager’s Coffee – a café and student entrepreneurship project under the Co-operative and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CEDI). The café is part of the university wealth generation strategy and UUM is the franchisor of Manager’s Coffee for 3 years.

UUM students will be trained to run Manager’s Coffee and upon graduation they will be offered the opportunity to be the franchisee of the cafe.