GG5 – Student Union

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has a Student Union, known as Kesatuan Mahasiswa UKM (KMUKM). The UKM Student Union serves as the official student representative body, advocating for student rights, welfare, and academic interests. As an independent and student-led organization, it plays a vital role in ensuring students’ voices are heard in university decision-making processes.

Table GG5.1: Summary of the student union at UKM.

No	Student Union At UKM
1	UKM has a recognised student union that represents both undergraduate and postgraduate students at university level
2	KMUKM is connected/affiliated to a wider national student union body
3	The UKM student union elects its leadership and allows students to vote

Detail about student union at UKM is shown below:

1. UKM has a recognised student union that represents both undergraduate and postgraduate students at university level

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Students’ Union as known as Kesatuan Mahasiswa UKM (KMUKM) is a student-led body that represents the collective voice of students at UKM. This independent students’ union advocates for students’ rights, welfare, and interests, engaging with university administration on issues affecting the student community. It also plays a vital role in promoting student activism, organising events, and fostering leadership, ensuring that students are empowered and actively involved in decision-making processes that impact their academic and social environment at UKM. The union fosters a sense of community and responsibility among students, encouraging them to be actively involved in university life and governance.

The election process for the National University of Malaysia Student Union (Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – KMUKM) is conducted democratically through the Campus Election (Pilihan Raya Kampus – PRK), which is held annually or as required. This process ensures that the KMUKM leadership election is conducted transparently, democratically, and in line with the interests of UKM students.

The student union (KMUKM) envisions an independent and student-driven organization that upholds student autonomy within university governance. Its mission is to ensure that students’ voices are represented and advocated for in university policies and government discussions while safeguarding their freedom in making decisions regarding welfare, finance, and academics. The slogan, “Rejuvenation for Unity,” reflects their commitment to revitalizing student representation and solidarity.

KMUKM also has a platform to update, educate and interact with students about UKM Student Representative Council (MPP) Selection through social media.

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/kmukm1970

The Kesatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (KMUKM), as the recognized student union representing both undergraduate and postgraduate students, has been invited to participate in the UKM Senate Meeting. This invitation signifies the university’s commitment to student engagement in institutional decision-making. By taking part in these discussions, KMUKM plays a crucial role in voicing student concerns, advocating for their rights, and contributing to policy decisions that directly impact the student community. Their involvement ensures that students’ perspectives are considered in shaping academic and administrative policies, fostering a more inclusive and student-centered university environment.

2. KMUKM is connected/affiliated to a wider national student union body

The UKM Students’ Union (Kesatuan Mahasiswa UKM, KMUKM) is affiliated with the Majlis Perundingan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK), which serves as the national student consultative council in Malaysia.

Majlis Perundingan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK)
MPPK, or the National Student Consultative Council, is a national-level student consultative platform established by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). It serves as a bridge between student leaders and the government, allowing student unions from public and private universities to provide input on national policies related to education, youth, and student affairs.

The Majlis Perundingan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK) utilizes social media as a key platform to update students and stakeholders on its activities, discussions, and decisions.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/officialmppk/  

KMUKM, like other student unions in Malaysian universities, participates in MPPK meetings and consultations. This affiliation allows UKM students to have a say in national student affairs. Through MPPK, KMUKM can:

• Voice concerns regarding education policies, student welfare, and university governance.
• Propose initiatives for improving student life and higher education systems.
• Engage in national discussions with representatives from other universities, government officials, and policymakers.
• Influence decision-making at the national level by advocating for student-friendly policies.

Significance of UKM’s Representation in MPPK

• Strengthening UKM’s Voice: Having a UKM student in the MPPK supreme council reinforces the university’s standing as a key player in national student affairs.
• Enhancing Student Advocacy: UKM’s participation ensures that the university’s student body has a platform to raise concerns and propose improvements to Malaysia’s higher education system.
• Policy Impact: Decisions made at the MPPK level may directly affect UKM students, including matters related to tuition fees, scholarships, campus safety, and student empowerment programs.

Muhammad Iman Azhar from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) holding a position in the Majlis Perundingan Pelajar Kebangsaan (MPPK) 2024 signifies UKM’s active role in national student leadership and decision-making processes. His appointment to the MPPK supreme council reflects the university’s influence in shaping policies and initiatives that impact students across Malaysia. 

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_QSsJQSeYq/?img_index=5

The affiliation of KMUKM with MPPK strengthens its role in advocating for UKM students at a national level. Through MPPK, KMUKM plays an active role in shaping student policies and ensuring that student concerns are heard by decision-makers. This connection ensures that UKM students are not just part of their university but also engaged in the broader Malaysian higher education landscape. It also highlights UKM’s influence in national student affairs and solidifies its role as an institution that shapes educational policies and student rights at a national level.

UKM Leading iFUTURE 2024: Empowering Global Student Leadership

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) through the Department of Higher Education (JPT), the National Student Consultative Council (MPPK), and the Malaysian Universities Leadership and Training Council (MAKLUM), organized the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFUTURE) 2024.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) took center stage in organizing and leading the International Young Future Leaders Summit (iFUTURE) 2024, a prestigious event aimed at empowering future student leaders on a global scale. This summit, held from August 16 to August 18, 2024, at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur (PWTC), brought together student leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss and develop leadership skills for the challenges of the future.

Source: 

• https://www.malaysiakini.com/brandedcontent/713810?fbclid=IwY2xjawIiBydleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQOg6mdD6Q3vHBUZQsljfIxCH9j7ewL2UG6wNYlNK7KR_w0GXmNTvcbj4g_aem_pFzMcYoxQXaf0iaZP6gLoA 
• https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2wGgiYh2/

Program Structure and Key Objectives

This program will encompass four main elements: Leadership Fundamentals, Critical Thinking, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, and Strategic Development. These elements will be implemented through Networking Sessions, Forums, Presentations, and Career Development Activities, with the aim of achieving four main objectives:

1. Instilling leadership fundamentals among students through forums and knowledge-sharing sessions.
2. Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills throughout the implementation of modules such as resolution presentations and Q&A sessions.
3. Strengthening public speaking skills to improve communication and confidence.
4. Increasing awareness of key leadership traits, including self-identity, presentation, communication, integrity, organizational and digitalization skills, and networking collaboration.

Through this structured approach, iFUTURE 2024 aims to cultivate well-rounded, globally competent student leaders who can navigate challenges and drive impactful change in their respective institutions and beyond.

3. The UKM student union elects its leadership and allows students to vote

The Student Representative Council Selection Committee plays a key role in the process of Student election in UKM. The Student Representative Council Selection Committee is to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive process for selecting the student representatives who will form the council.

The role of the SRC Selection Committee Here’s a breakdown of the typical responsibilities and roles of such a committee:

• Designing and overseeing the selection process (setting criteria, timeline, guidelines).
• Promoting participation in the SRC elections and ensuring awareness among students.
• Screening and nominating candidates (ensuring eligibility and diversity).
• Managing the election or selection process (voting, counting, dispute resolution).
• Ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in all steps.
• Announcing and confirming election results.
• Facilitating the transition for new SRC members and supporting their orientation.

In essence, the Student Representative Council Selection Committee ensures that the process of selecting student leaders is democratic, transparent, and representative, which is crucial for maintaining student engagement, voice, and advocacy within the educational institution.

Figure GG5.9:UKM Vice Chancellor has agreed to appoint the leadership of the JPMPP or Student Representative Council (MPP) Selection Association for the 2024/2025 session.

Figure GG5.10:The voting procedures and announcement will be issued by the UKM MPP election committee

Students are given the opportunity to choose their respective student representatives through the E-voting system known as ‘e-Undi MPP UKM’ or translates to ‘e-Vote MPP UKM’. It is a feature integrated in the students’ official system.

Figure GG5.13: e-Vote MPP platform: https://undimpp.ukm.my/