KUCHING: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak marked a significant milestone with a gala dinner celebrating its 25th anniversary as a university.
The dinner, themed “Contemporary Ethnic,” served as a platform to unify the unique blend of cultural heritage and modern creative expression.
UiTM Pro-Chancellor Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz, who officiated the event, expressed his gratitude to UiTM Sarawak for organising such a grand occasion to celebrate the university’s 25th anniversary.
“The UiTM community should feel proud of this achievement as it has been accomplished through everyone’s hard work and consistent commitment.
“Without the cooperation of the entire UiTM community in carrying out their respective duties and roles, the university would not have achieved the various impressive successes and accomplishments recorded over the past 25 years as a university,” he said on Wednesday night (Aug 28).
He added that UiTM has earned numerous recognitions nationwide and internationally in various arenas and fields; UiTM has produced many outstanding alumni, including 25 remarkable alumni from UiTM Sarawak.
“The employment rate of UiTM graduates is equally impressive, and UiTM has managed to build a global network in research, academics, and student mobility.
“It is evident that since being declared as a university on Aug 26, 1999, the university has undergone many proud transformations,” he expressed.
Abdul Wahab also expressed hope that the university will maintain its excellence and strive to create more impressive accomplishments by preserving unity and continuing to exert effort and commitment in their respective roles and functions.
“You must continue to embody the slogan ‘UiTM Di Hatiku’ (UiTM In My Heart), and let this slogan motivate and inspire you to continue serving the university.”
Meanwhile, Professor Madya Ts. Chm. Dr Mohammad Isa Mohamadin, the Deputy Rector of Academic and International Affairs and Acting Rector of UiTM Sarawak, said in his speech that the dinner is an opportunity to celebrate the university’s achievements, reconnect with old friends, and meet new ones.
“As we commemorate this significant moment, I must acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the staff who have contributed to the development and growth of our beloved university; your contributions have played an important role in building UiTM into the respected institution it is today.
“To our students and alumni, you are the driving force behind our daily pursuit of excellence, and your achievements reflect the quality of education and supportive environment at UiTM, where we will remain committed to providing top-notch education, advancing research and innovation, making a meaningful impact on society and to the nation,” he added, expressing his gratitude.
During the dinner, UiTM honoured distinguished alumni and recognised government departments, agencies, organisations, and industries for their collaboration.
Award recipients include IRSDA for Research Collaboration (Agency), ANT Supplies Sdn Bhd and Green Diamond Estate Sdn Bhd for Research Collaboration (Industry), Samarahan Division Resident’s Office for Consultation Collaboration, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak for Student Development Collaboration, and Idris Ibrahim and Company for Academic Development Collaboration.
Adding to the significance, the dinner was celebrated almost simultaneously throughout all UiTM campuses nationwide in remembrance of Aug 26, 1999, when the then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced the renaming of Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), commemorating 25 years of its transformation.
