BANGI: A total of 35 undergraduate students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) today (Thursday) received a laptop each.
The laptops were under the Program Titipan Kasih Harian Metro (TKHM) with Affin Islamic Bank Bhd (Affin Islamic) – Virtue Education.
The students, who were from the B40 and Asnaf groups, also received a one-year internet data subscription package.
Harian Metro group editor and chairman of the TKHM project Husain Jahit said the laptop and internet data contribution were substantial in assisting students with their studies, with no flaws due to financial limits.
"We are aware that the responsibility to ensure equitable access to education is not the sole responsibility of the university, the Higher Education Ministry and the Education Ministry.
"It is the responsibility of all parties. Therefore, we hope that this contribution can help facilitate the learning process of university students here.
"At the same time, this contribution aims to boost the students' enthusiasm, so that they will be more eager to acquire knowledge and to complete their studies with great results," he said during the handover of laptop and internet data contribution to the students today.
The laptop and internet data contribution were handed to the students, who were in their first semester at the university, by Husain and Affin Bank Bhd chairman Datuk Agil Natt.
Present at the event were New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd group managing editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, UKM Student Affairs Centre director Prof Dr Norinsan Kamil Othman and Affin Islamic Bank Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badaruddin.
Meanwhile, Agil in his speech said Affin Group was pleased with the collaboration with Harian Metro, which increased students' access to learning facilities and better equipped them with knowledge prior to entering the workforce.
"A laptop is a very important device for every student, along with internet data, during the learning process. Therefore, use it well to assist with your studies."
He said the group hoped that the contribution would also further encourage the students to improve themselves, to do well in their studies, and subsequently help their families.
A Bachelor in English Language Studies student Muhammad Raziq Razuddin, 20, said he was thankful to be among the recipients as he would not have to burden his mother to purchase a new device for him.
Raziq said the laptop that he was currently using belonged to a family member.
"This new laptop and internet data subscription will enable me to access lecture notes and complete my assignments better," said Raziq who hails from Johor.
Another student, Nurul Fatihah Mohd Radzuan, 19, said the laptop was very much needed and useful for her.
"I'm thankful for being selected as one of the recipients. Currently, I'm using my brother's laptop. So, I'll return the laptop to him.
"This new laptop and internet data will further strengthen my determination to do well in my studies," said the Bachelor of Optometry student.