UNIVERSITI Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student Muhammad Syafik Rahmat has won the Education Minister Award which confers on him the Tokoh Siswa 2018 title. The award is the highest recognition of the outstanding achievement of a student for his participation at university from the Education Ministry.
Muhammad Syafik, 24, received RM3,000, a trophy and a certificate.
He was also awarded the Anugerah Pemimpin Program Sukan (Sport Programme Leadership Award). The Minister of Education Award was presented by Dr Maszlee Malik at the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa 2018 award ceremony held at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) last Saturday.
“In line with the aspirations of the ministry to create a holistic person who can contribute to the community, this is a platform for students to showcase leadership qualities and be more proactive in co-curricular activities,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching, the ministry’s director-general Datin Paduka Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir and deputy secretary-general (strategic) Datuk Kamel Mohamad, USIM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Musa Ahmad and Polytechnic and Community College Education director-general Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz.
Johor-born Muhammad Syafik, who is pursuing the Bachelor of Computer Science (Computer Network and Security) course, believes that he has a bigger responsibility now to continue to inspire students and the community.
“This award has been entrusted to me by the ministry so I have to strive harder to work hard and provide the best possible services to society.
“Be generous with your energy and time to help others because one day your good deeds will be repaid,” he said.
He added that the Anugerah Tokoh Siswa is a good platform to appreciate undergraduates’ efforts in serving their universities and communities.
“It also helps to create a holistic student leader who networks with other student leaders at university.”
Muhammad Syafik has helped to organise the Global Outreach Programme GOP @ Europe (Parlon’16 — London, Paris, Amsterdam and Milan) and Global Outreach Programmes @ China (Beijing and Shanghai), among others.
Meanwhile, host university USIM did not return empty-handed as it won the Special Director-General of Higher Education Award in the team and individual categories. The USIM Arabic Debate team won for its achievement in clinching second place at the Unisi Arabic Debating Championship and first place at the Arabic Debate at the Festival Arabic Culture.
For the individual category, Muhammad Syafiq Suhaimi won for his achievement as champion of Pidato Dwibahasa Ihtifal Asean last year.
Anugerah Tokoh Siswa comprises 15 awards in recognition of leadership, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, culture and sports, among others. A total of 245 nominations were received this year.
The Special Appreciation of the Director-General of Higher Education award, introduced in 2014, received 35 nominations.
The selection for the Education Minister’s Award recipient was done through a rigorous assessment session at the ministry level. Each candidate has to go through two interviews in groups and individually.