TUANKU SULTAN OF KEDAH GRANTED A VIRTUAL AUDIENCE TO THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

UUM ONLINE: His Royal Highness (HRH) Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, the Tuanku Sultan of Kedah Darulaman and the Tuanku Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) granted an audience to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Bashawir Abdul Ghani which was held virtually for the first time recently.

During the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor apprised HRH on the university's progress, including the re-appointment of HRH Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, the Raja Muda of Kedah, as Pro-Chancellor of UUM for another three years.

In addition, HRH was also apprised on the current status of the COVID-19 situation in UUM which drew HRH’s attention. During the session, the Vice-Chancellor apprised HRH on the situation of students who have been on campus during the 14-day Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) which began on 13 June.

HRH expressed his satisfaction with the students' well-being, which received attention from many parties who assisted in easing their burden during the EMCO's implementation, as well as the students' teaching and learning process (TnL), which could still be implemented on schedule.

Aside from that, HRH was very pleased with UUM's preventive and control measures, which ensured that no COVID-19 transmission occurred on campus; in fact, UUM denizens were able to weather the EMCO calmly and patiently.

During the session, the Vice-Chancellor also discussed UUM's role in assisting the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) by lending university vehicles to transport COVID-19 patients to the COVID-19 Quarantine and Low-Risk Treatment Centre (PKRC) and in addition to the use of halls in Taman Siswa, Jitra for the Vaccination Programme of 'Buffer Zone' Residents Adjacent to Taman Mahsuri, which was placed under the EMCO.

HRH was also informed about the production of 13,000 metres of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and over 2,000 bottles of hand sanitizers, face masks, and face shields that had been distributed to frontline personnel at hospitals throughout the northern region.

HRH was also informed about the development of vaccination for university denizens, as well as the opening of the Vaccination Centre (PPV) at UUM, which was expected to begin operations once permission from the COVID-19 Immunization Task Force (CITF) was obtained.

At the same time, HRH was informed about the proposal to hold the 34th UUM Convocation Ceremony for Year 2021 in March 2022, subject to the current pandemic situation and the NSC directives.

Tuanku Sultan of Kedah expressed pride in UUM's achievements in global rankings, which have risen year after year. He expressed his hope that UUM would continue to strive to improve its achievements, thereby bringing Kedah to the attention of the world.

Following that, Prof. Dato' Dr. Ahmad Bashawir provided an update on his discussions with the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Charles Hay, about the proposal to establish cooperation between the two parties, particularly in the agenda to strengthen the mastery of English language.

HRH lauded the initiative, expressing hope that it will improve English proficiency not only among staff and students, but also among the people of the state of Kedah, as it will help Kedah's economic development by attracting more foreign investors.

At the end of the session, the Vice-Chancellor also provided information on the development of STEM in UUM, as well as the construction of a new golf club building, which will complete the infrastructure of the 18-hole golf course at the UUM Sintok campus.

Tuanku Chancellor stated that UUM should maintain the campus's sustainability by constructing an 'eco-friendly' or environmentally friendly golf club in order to strengthen the role of the UUM National Golf Academy and elevate the academy's image as the country's only academy and recognised as a centre of national golf excellence.

HRH also expressed hope that UUM will host international golf tournaments, which would not only promote 'edutourism,' but would also indirectly benefit Kedah's economy.