Empowering Women: 67% of UMS new student intake are female

1 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Women represent a significant 67% of the total new student intake for the 2024/2025 academic session at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

This impressive statistic underscores the growing influence of women in higher education, with a notable presence at UMS.

Their increasing participation reflects a broader trend of female empowerment and academic achievement, positioning women as key contributors to the intellectual and professional landscape.

UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Mansor, shared that 72% of these new students hail from Sabah, underscoring the university’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

He emphasized the institution's ongoing efforts to support all students.

"We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and assistance to ensure each student excels in their academic journey," he said during the Aku Janji pledge-taking ceremony for new students, attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and UMS Board Chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

To further demonstrate UMS's dedication to student success, the university has introduced ten welfare initiatives under its Student Welfare Trust Fund. Through these efforts, 1,877 students have received financial assistance amounting to more than RM572,000.

Kasim also highlighted the introduction of the SULUNG 1.0 program, designed to provide comprehensive financial support to nine selected students, covering tuition fees and living expenses. "The SULUNG program is aimed at easing the financial pressures on our students so they can focus fully on their education," he said.

Furthermore, an additional 293 students have benefited from the SULUNG 2.0 initiative, receiving a total allocation of RM1,382,955 in aid.

The students intake also includes 15 international students from countries such as Japan, Pakistan, China, Brunei, and Indonesia, enriching the cultural and educational diversity at UMS.

The new students began reporting to various campuses on 28 September, ready to embark on their academic journey at one of Malaysia's most dynamic universities.

With these initiatives and a strong female presence, UMS is positioning itself as a leader in both education and gender empowerment, ensuring that its students have the tools they need to succeed.