KUCHING: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak in collaboration with Bank Rakyat has launched the UiTM Alumni Bank Rakyat Debit-I Card.
UiTM Sarawak rector Prof Datuk Dr Jamil Hamali said the programme, called “Payback Time”, enabled UiTM alumni to contribute back in the form of “wakaf” or donation to support the university and to help other students.
“Through this, we can reach out to 36,000 alumni, and Bank Rakyat alone has four million depositors, so this is the opportunity if they want to help,” he said.
Jamil was speaking to reporters after attending UiTM’s 90th convocation ceremony and the launching of the card at UiTM Sarawak, Kota Samarahan near here today.
“By working with Bank Rakyat, we don’t have to create another system, we just ride on their system, which will be easier for us to trace our alumni,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bank Rakyat Card and Payment Business head Khairil Hamzah said the card, especially for the alumni, was a first in Malaysia.
“The alumni can just open an account with Bank Rakyat, and the minimum deposit is just RM20 to obtain the debit card.
“We don’t set any limit for them, the alumni can donate as much as they want, and all will go back to the university,” he said.
Speaking also was Bank Rakyat Sabah and Sarawak Region director Mohamad Shiblie Abg Sapuan, who said this was a strategic partnership with UiTM as “Bank Rakyat has about 174 networks all over Malaysia with a strong banking system.”
“I am also one of the alumni of this university, therefore, I think it’s time to give back, and to help in human capital development, especially the Bumiputera students in UiTM,” he pointed out.
