QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
Social Impact EqualityIndicator
EQ7.3 – Access Schemes for People with Disabilities
UKM fosters a culture of inclusivity through mentorship and targeted programs designed to empower students and staff with disabilities. Ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities (OKU) is essential in creating an inclusive and supportive environment in education and employment. Access schemes such as mentoring programs, targeted support services, and specialized training play a crucial role in empowering individuals with disabilities to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. These initiatives provide personalized guidance, career development opportunities, and academic support, fostering a more equitable and accessible system for all.
Table EE7.3.1: Summary of the access schemes for people with disabilities such as mentoring or other targeted support.
Detail of the access schemes for people with disabilities at UKM is shown below:
1. Mentoring programs
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with disabilities (OKU). Through specialized mentoring programs, UKM provides guidance, academic support, and personal development opportunities to help OKU students thrive in their education and daily life.
Several examples access schemes for people with disabilities on mentoring program at UKM is shown below:
a) Dyslexia Awareness Day
27 October 2024, The Malaysian Dyslexia Association (PDM), in close collaboration with the UKM Cakna OKU Club and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), organized the 2024 Dyslexia Month Celebration and Dyslexia Awareness Program. Various engaging activities were provided, including Q&A sessions with icons and organization representatives, exhibitions, activities with children, as well as free screening tests and educational consultations. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers involved in making this program a success. It is hoped that all participants gained positive impacts throughout their involvement in the program. May we continue to collaborate in future programs.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1SHeyg6SiA/
b) World Disabled Day Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
The World Disabled Day, held on December 8, 2024, at IOI City Mall. The program aimed to raise awareness to the general public, provide appreciation, equality and general public support to the disabled community. The main event of this celebration is the “OKU Got Talent” competition which has received more than 70 performances and unique participation in the arts including music, dance, acting, etc. This program also offers interesting activities such as sales fairs for products and services for the disabled that highlight the creativity and entrepreneurship of the disabled community in various handicraft products, food, and assistive technology.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/14uoEnY9Ah/
c) World OKU Day Celebration 2024 – “The Well-being of Persons with Disabilities as the Core of Malaysia Madani”
Bangi, 14 December 2024 – The 2024 World OKU Day Celebration at the Faculty of Education, UKM, took place today at the Dewan Budiman, Faculty of Education. This program was organized by the Centre for the Study of Education and Community Well-being.Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, especially the Faculty of Education, has shown a high commitment in providing inclusive and quality education for all.
Inclusive education not only opens up opportunities for disabled students to develop their potential, but also forms a society that better understands and respects diversity”
This celebration also presents a variety of interesting activities such as a discussion forum featuring an expert and experienced guest panel, singing and hand coding performances and food truck exhibitions.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15hydFk9hV/
d) MYVOC Volunteer School Workshop
MYVOC Volunteer School Workshop organized in collaboration with the Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) and the Self-Care and Social Council for Persons with Disabilities, along with the Disability Services and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), the MYVOC Volunteer School Workshop was held. This workshop aims to strengthen the youth volunteer community in Malaysia through synergistic networking among youth organizations and provide opportunities for those involved.
Source:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DhAYQkgGc/
e) Active OKU program (Charity Program with Al-Fikrah Care Centre Malaysia)
3 December 2024, Registrar department UKM organized an Active OKU program. Through training and development programs, people with disabilities are given the opportunity to hone their leadership skills. Initiatives such as leadership camps and specific training modules for persons with disabilities (OKU) help build their confidence and ability to lead. Besides, Provide ongoing support to the disabled in the form of financial assistance, health services, and psychosocial support. Encourage collaboration between government, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure inclusiveness efforts are sustainable. This theme outlines a vision for a future where people with disabilities are not only accepted but also recognized as valuable leaders in society. By empowering the leadership of people with disabilities, we can build a more inclusive and fair society for all.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AuvLDRkBB/
f) Student Talk on Mental Well-Being: From the Perspective of Society and Persons with Disabilities (OKU)
1 June 2024, UKM Cakna OKU Club UKM collaborated to successfully organize a program titled “Student Talk on Mental Well-Being: From the Perspective of Society and Persons with Disabilities (OKU)”, which was held online via Microsoft Teams. This program aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues from the perspective of OKU and society.
Two invited panelists joined the session to share their valuable insights and expertise in their respective fields on the topic discussed. The first panelist, Dr. Aizan Sofia Amin, shared her expertise in the field of disability studies, while the second panelist, Mr. Tan Yao Xiong, a Psychologist at the UKM Counseling Unit, provided his insights on mental health.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BQ3xMihfn/
g) Inklufest Carnival
29 May 2024, The Inklufest Carnival, with the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Empowering Inclusivity,” organized by third-year students from the Faculty of Education at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), was successfully held. The purpose of this program was to raise awareness among university students and the local community about persons with disabilities (OKU). The event featured various interesting activities, including a forum, an exhibition of teaching aids, and exploration activities. The program was officiated by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Roslee Rajikan, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategy and Corporate Development). The carnival is hoped to serve as a platform to empower OKU inclusivity in society, provide new perspectives, and inspire a spirit of contribution towards building an inclusive community. A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers involved in making this carnival a success. It is hoped that all participants gained a positive impact throughout their involvement in the carnival. We look forward to collaborating again in future programs.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19LK6aLyNH/
h) Annual Sports Day, Dyslexia Association
18 May 2024, The Malaysian Dyslexia Association organized the 2024 Annual Sports Day program, which involved students and teachers from all branches in the state of Selangor. Various fun and engaging sports activities, which included parents and children, were successfully carried out. A big thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this sports day. It is hoped that all participants had a positive experience throughout their involvement in the program. We look forward to collaborating again in future programs.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Um63dzyGn/
i) Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24)
18 May 2024, The UKM Cakna OKU Club and students from the Faculty of Health Sciences UKM, specializing in Speech Therapy, Audiology, along with the OKU Awareness Volunteer Club, provided volunteer services for the program organized by Hear Me Malaysia in conjunction with Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24). This program provided meaningful experiences through the excellent cooperation of all parties, especially Hear Me Malaysia and the parents, who highlighted the talents of individuals with hearing impairments through their performances and contributed to the smooth running of Hear Me’s Got Talent 2024 (HMGT24).
Source:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14f7sLfxQt
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15YmU2star
j) Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia”
12 June 2024, the Career Talk “Enhancing Capabilities with Allianz Malaysia” program was organized by UPS-OKU in collaboration with the Students with Disabilities Secretariat (SMAKU). The target group for this program was final-year students with a total of 20 individuals (students with disabilities) participating in this program.. The main objective of the program is to provide exposure to career pathways for students with disabilities and to open employment opportunities for students with disabilities who are about to graduate.The program received a positive response from the UKM disabled community. Program activities included a career forum for students with disabilities at Allianz Bank and a sharing session by staff with disabilities from Allianz Bank.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15rFBnSPZ1/
k) Empowerment Seminar for Community Rehabilitation Centers in Public Universities (PERKASA PPDK@UA) 2024
3 October 2024, The government, through the initiatives in the 2022 and 2024 Budget, has allocated specific funding for the implementation of the Community Rehabilitation Program (PPDK) in Public Universities (UA). To share experiences and achievements of PPDK@UA, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), through the Department of Higher Education (JPT), organized the Empowerment Seminar for Community Rehabilitation Centers in Public Universities (PERKASA PPDK@UA) 2024. A student with disabilities from UKM participated in the seminar. The program aims to strengthen PPDK’s support services and skill development for the disability community, promote collaboration between universities, NGOs, government bodies, and industries, propose improvements to rehabilitation policies and practices, and bring together experts to discuss new approaches in the empowerment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Gb3F5kPfX/
2. Targeted support services
UKM is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students with disabilities (OKU). The university offers a range of targeted support services to enhance academic success, independence, and overall well-being.
Several examples access schemes for people with disabilities on targeted support services program at UKM is shown below:
a) Kelab Cakna OKU
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091262331357
The UKM Cakna OKU Club is a volunteer-based organization at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) focused on raising awareness and providing support for individuals with disabilities (OKU – Orang Kurang Upaya, meaning Persons with Disabilities in Malay). The club aims to foster inclusivity within the university community by organizing various events, workshops, and outreach programs to promote understanding, empathy, and support for people with special needs.
Key activities of the club include:
- Awareness campaigns: Educating the university community about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
- Volunteer services: Assisting persons with disabilities in various university programs, including exams and events.
- Inclusive programs: Organizing events such as the “SuperHEARo Camp”, “Inklufest Carnival”, and other initiatives focused on creating an inclusive environment.
- Workshops: Offering training in areas like sign language, Braille, and other accessibility tools to empower both students and faculty.
The club plays a crucial role in building a more inclusive society, offering both educational and practical support to persons with disabilities, while also encouraging university students to be actively involved in supporting their peers. The club is led by student volunteers, with faculty and community involvement contributing to the successful execution of its initiatives.
b) Library Service for Student with Disabilities
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Library is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for students with disabilities. Through specialized services such as book and article searches, information packages, and reader volunteer programs, the library ensures that all students can access academic resources with ease. Dedicated staff members are available to assist in research, reading, and locating materials, making learning more convenient and supportive for everyone.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuojgk3LdXI&list=PLCmvk-8uBU0cC_jTEpVo301Mkf6HSwSqk
c) On-campus accommodation for persons with disabilities (OKU)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) provides on-campus accommodation for its students, including those with disabilities (OKU). The university ensures that residential colleges are safe, accessible, and equipped with essential facilities to support students’ academic and personal needs. For OKU students, UKM offers priority housing with necessary accessibility features to create an inclusive living environment. Through the Student Housing and OKU Support Unit (UPS-OKU), the university continuously works to enhance accommodation facilities, ensuring that all students have a comfortable and supportive campus experience.
d) Engagement Session for SMAKU and Awareness on Persons with Disabilities (OKU) at UKM
14 November 2024, The “Engagement Session of SMAKU and OKU Awareness at UKM”, held in collaboration with the OKU Services Unit (UPS OKU) of UKM, took place with great enthusiasm and cooperation. The session aimed to raise awareness and provide support for the needs of Persons with Disabilities (OKU) within the university.
During the session, various issues related to accessibility, education, and career opportunities were discussed, involving input from students, lecturers, and representatives from the UPS OKU. These discussions not only provided an opportunity for participants to share their views but also sparked new ideas for more inclusive programs.
The presence of diverse stakeholders demonstrated a collective commitment to ensuring that the voices of OKU are heard and considered in all planning processes. This session is hoped to strengthen support networks and promote a more OKU-friendly environment at UKM.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BEfkizk2k/
e) Laptops donation to empower the visually impaired
14 November 2024, The initiative by InclusivePath, a project committee under Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Graduate School of Business, is part of its mission to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities through corporate, social ventures and non-governmental organisation partnerships. With the collaboration of Tulus Project, the laptops had been donated to Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) to support its administrative tasks and empower its visually impaired members. The donation also marked a continuation of efforts from the project’s recent workshop, which focused on fostering collaborations with stakeholders to create inclusive workplaces.InclusivePath project director Foo Huey Chyun said “By offering these tools, we are helping ensure that visually impaired individuals, regardless of the type of blindness they experience, have access to the resources needed to thrive in the workforce.” The laptops are expected to enhance MAB’s internal processes and provide members with the resources needed for job readiness, aligning with the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive work environments.
Source:https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2024/11/14/students-donate-laptops-to-empower-the-visually-impaired
Source; https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B94ZEgT4X/ (Audiology program at MRSM Kuala Klawang, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan)
f) SuperHEARo Camp Volunteer Service
1 & 3 Mach 2024, UKM Cakna OKU Club participated in the SuperHEARo Camp organized by Hear Me Malaysia in collaboration with Yayasan Maghfirah to support children with hearing impairments, held at the Yayasan Maghfirah Training Center in Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan. The volunteer service, acting as facilitators throughout the program, provided an opportunity for members of the OKU Awareness Volunteer Club UKM to engage more deeply and enhance their proficiency in sign language while connecting with the community of individuals with hearing impairments. The team, led by Saudara Wan Mohammad Alif, provided a truly valuable experience for the volunteers involved. A heartfelt thank you to Hear Me Malaysia and Yayasan Maghfirah for the opportunity and trust given to the OKU Awareness Volunteer Club UKM to work alongside the hearing-impaired community.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14hBo7aRH7/
g) Volunteer for the WalknWheel Run in Celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
10 December 2023, Cakna OKU UKM Club participated in providing volunteer services for the Fun Run (Walk & Wheel) in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held at DBKL Square, organized by the Center for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences UKM. This volunteer service, led by the President of theCakna OKU UKM Club, Saudara Muhammad Aiman Fauzan as the Head of the volunteer movement, along with Saudari Nisha Aqlis, Saudari Fadhila Aisyah, and Saudara Muhammad Harun, assisted with movement and crowd control during the program.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WAwBQFC4S/
h) Iftar Gathering with Persons with Disabilities (OKU)
26 March 2024, The Disability Services and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), in collaboration with the Students with Disabilities Secretariat (SMAKU), organized the Iftar Program with the UKM Disabled Community, held at the Banquet Room, Chancellery Building.This iftar program was an initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening the relationship between UPS-OKU, staff, and students with disabilities. A total of 20 individuals (7 students with disabilities and 13 staff with disabilities) participated in this program. Highlights of the program included a religious talk delivered by Ustaz Muhammad Haziq Abdul Samad, as well as the presentation of duit raya contributions by the Welfare and Sports Club, Information Management Division, Department of Statistics Malaysia, Ministry of Economy Malaysia to students with disabilities.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16AGz9LQ19/
i) PTPTN Engagement and OKU Appreciation Ceremony
8 May 2024,Mr. Muhammad Aizuddin Saharudin (Head of the Disability Services and Support Unit, UKM) together with Mr. Wan Muhammad Nashrul Wan Muhammad Najeeb (Assistant Community Development Officer, HEP-UKM) accompanied UKM students with disabilities in attending the PTPTN Customer Engagement Ceremony held at the Royal Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This ceremony was organized as a token of appreciation by PTPTN to strategic partners and customers who have provided strong support and collaboration in enhancing PTPTN’s service delivery. The 2024 PTPTN Customer Engagement Ceremony was attended by representatives from ministries, government agencies, private sector agencies, PTPTN FRIENDS, strategic partners, and media representatives. Various activities were carried out as planned. As a gesture of PTPTN’s concern for the underprivileged, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution amounting to RM5,000 in the form of Simpan SSPN Prime accounts was presented to ten (10) special needs students. These included five (5) students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and five (5) students from Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Each student received savings worth RM500 in a Simpan SSPN Prime account.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15MUvNhtrT/
3. Specialized training
UKM is committed to empowering students with disabilities (OKU) by offering specialized training programs that enhance their academic, professional, and personal development. These programs aim to equip OKU students with essential skills for independent living, career readiness, and academic success.
Several examples access schemes for people with disabilities on specialized training program at UKM is shown below:
a) QurANIS Workshop (Quran for Special Needs Children)
26 & 27 October 2024,Yayasan Faqeh organized the QurANIS Workshop in close collaboration with Sahabat OKU (OKU Awareness Volunteer Club) and PPDK UKM. Various activities were conducted over the two days, particularly introductory sessions on the Akhyar memorization method and Asyraaf recitation under the QurANIS module. Additionally, volunteers were also exposed to the creation of OKU-friendly teaching and learning materials (BBM) and tahsin ibadah, covering the fundamentals of ablution to the performance of prayers.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18DNkvnbcD/
b) Basics of Braille Class
9 November 2024, UKM Cakna OKU Club has taken the initiative to raise awareness and sensitivity among students toward Persons with Disabilities (OKU) by organizing a Braille Class. The main objective of organizing this program is to provide an opportunity and platform for UKM students to learn and understand the communication methods practiced by Persons with Disabilities (OKU), particularly those with visual impairments, through the basics of Braille.
Sources:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B9v8tiioW/
c) Basic sign language class
13 January 2024, UKM Cakna OKU Club has taken the initiative to raise awareness and sensitivity among students toward Persons with Disabilities (OKU) by organizing a Basic Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) Class. The class was handled by third-year students from the Special Education Program, Wan Mohd Alif Bin Wan Mohd Sofian, and instructor Arina Basirah Binti Saharudin.The main objective of this program is to provide an opportunity and platform for UKM students to learn and understand the communication methods practiced by OKU, particularly those with hearing impairments, through the basics of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM).
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15w6yDVQsd/
d) Jati Diri Watan Program 7th Series
8 – 10 November 2024, Jati Diri Watan Program was held to develop national identity, patriotism, and leadership among participants through physical, mental activities, and national values. The program also aims to strengthen love for the country, self-discipline, and resilience in facing future challenges. The program not only aimed to develop national identity, patriotism, and leadership, but also highlighted the importance of equality for persons with disabilities (OKU). By involving staff members with disabilities from UKM, the program emphasized inclusive participation, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal opportunities to engage in physical, mental activities, and national values.Three individuals (the Head and Staff of UPS-OKU) and four staff members with disabilities from UKM also participated in this program.
Source: https://www.melakahariini.my/orang-kampung-asahan-kongsi-ilmu-gaya-hidup/
