QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2027
Social Impact EqualityIndicator
EQ7.3 – Access schemes for people with disabilities such as mentoring or other targeted support
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 EQ7.3.1: 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) Info Prihatin 2025: UPSOKU UKM
The Info Prihatin campaign by UPSOKU UKM serves as a vital educational bridge, systematically disseminating knowledge about the rights, needs, and lived experiences of the OKU community to the wider university population through 2025. This initiative moves beyond traditional awareness by providing practical guidance on how to interact with, support, and advocate for individuals with diverse disabilities, ensuring that the principles of equity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of campus life. This constant flow of information helps everyone feel responsible for protecting OKU rights like keeping disabled parking spots free and using clear communication. Ultimately, it prepares students to be kinder, more inclusive leaders when they start their careers in the future.
Source: https://www.ukm.my/pendaftar/ups-oku/info-prihatin-2025
b) Cakna OKU Carnival 2025
6 December 2025, Cakna OKU Carnival 2025, held in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was organised to enhance awareness among university members and the wider community on the importance of accessibility, understanding, and support for the Persons with Disabilities (OKU) community. Organised by the UKM OKU Services and Support Unit, the carnival is conducted biennially and serves as a platform to promote a more inclusive, OKU-friendly campus culture grounded in humanitarian values.
c) Voice beyond sound
On 13 November 2025, the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club organized ‘Voices Beyond Sound.’ The UKM Student Auditorium was filled with a positive aura as participants explored the beauty of sign language together learning to communicate not through voice, but through expression and heart. This program was more than just a learning session; it was an eye-opening experience regarding community diversity and the vital importance of inclusive communication.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1748giFHTE
d) Bicara Prihatin Series 3/2025: Children with Special Needs and Religious Obligations
On 12 November 2025, the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club organized Bicara Prihatin Series 3/2025: Children with Special Needs and Religious Obligations. The third installment of the 2025 Bicara Prihatin series focuses on the intersection of disability and faith. This session explores how children with special needs can fulfill their religious obligations, highlighting the importance of ‘Fardhu Ain’ (individual obligations) and the role of the community in providing an accessible spiritual environment.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14Xnspm61z5
e) Engagement Session with the UKM OKU Services and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), Cakna OKU Volunteer Club, the Secretariat of Students with Disabilities (SMAKU), and UKM Students with Disabilities
On 11 October 2025, an Engagement Session between the Disability Service and Support Unit (UPS-OKU UKM) and several UKM students with disabilities was held at the Banquet Room, Chancellery Building, UKM. This program aimed to further strengthen the network between the university and students with disabilities in supporting their well-being and academic journey throughout the 2025/2026 academic session.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CLfdQY7Nm
f) Volunteer Outreach Programme: UKM Cakna OKU Visit to Yayasan FAQEH (Series 2)
On 14 June 2025 (Saturday), the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club conducted a formal visit to the FAQEH Foundation. This program aimed to enhance student awareness and empathy toward the disability community while establishing a close collaborative relationship between the club and the foundation. Through this initiative, values of empathy and social responsibility were fostered among volunteers, serving as an inspiration for more individuals to support the disability community in the future.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18JEi8tkyq
g) Bicara Prihatin Series 2/2025 – Challenges of Students with Disabilities
On 7 May 2025, the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club collaborated with the Faculty of Education Student Representative Council, the Disability Service and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), and the Disability Student Secretariat (SMAKU) to successfully organize ‘Bicara Prihatin Series 2/2025: Challenges Faced by Students with Disabilities. The primary objective of this session was to provide a transparent platform for students with disabilities to voice their lived experiences and the systemic hurdles they encounter.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BrdCmbPaJ
h) OKU Prayer Night: Conversations Without Barriers
OKU Prayer Night: Conversations Without Barriers, organized by the OKU Services and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), was held at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak and brought together approximately 1,500 guests from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities (PWD), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and students. The event aimed to raise awareness among the university community and the wider public about the importance of accessibility, understanding, and support for the PWD community.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HaMMHiRKM
i) OKU Gen-Z Talk: Efforts Without Limits of a Generation
On 6 December 2025, OKU Gen-Z Talk: A Generation’s Limitless Efforts was held in conjunction with the Karnival Cakna OKU as part of the UKM International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. The programme was organized by the PWD Services and Support Unit (UPS-OKU), under the Administration and Facilities Division, Registrar’s Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Malaysian PWD Youth Council.
The event aimed to provide a platform for young persons with disabilities (OKU) from Generation Z to share their experiences, challenges, and achievements, fostering dialogue on inclusivity, resilience, and innovation. By highlighting the accomplishments of OKU youth, the session sought to inspire both the university community and the public to recognize the potential and contributions of OKU in society.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/185AK3zwNN
j) OKU Appreciation Programme 2025
On 6 December 2025, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), will organize the PWD Appreciation Programme 2025 as an effort to strengthen public understanding of diverse abilities and promote inclusive creative works.
The programme will feature an Interactive Literary Dialogue: Jambatan Insani, which will discuss the creation of PWD-conscious creative works, the Braille translation of works by national literary figures, and poetry performances in sign language.
This programme is open to all members of the public who wish to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the diverse PWD community, while celebrating creativity and inclusivity.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18HeMHM9zZ
k) KL Clean & Beautiful LA21KL: Let’s Clean Bukit Bintang
On 1 November 2025, in Bukit Bintang, the spirit of gotong-royong (community volunteerism) came alive in the name of creating a more sustainable city. This annual event was organized by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in collaboration with strategic partners, including LA21KL, the Department of Health & Environment, Bukit Bintang Federal Territory Residents’ Representative Council, Indah Water, Alam Floral, SWCorp, Air Selangor, Tenaga Nasional, and many others.
Under the theme “Towards Zero Waste”, the programme brought together over 600 participants, including local communities, volunteers, students, persons with disabilities (OKU), and private sector representatives. Together, they worked to clean the Bukit Bintang area and raise awareness of environmentally friendly practices.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16iSEdZLTT
l) BICARA PRIHATIN 1/2025: You Are Extraordinarily Special – Challenges & Experiences in Caring for Children with Disabilities
On February 6, 2025, the inaugural edition of the Caring Discourse Series (Bicara Prihatin 1/2025) was held, titled “You Are Extraordinarily Special: Challenges and Experiences in Caring for Children with Disabilities.” This session featured a distinguished panel of parents and experienced educators who shared their firsthand journeys and expertise in navigating the complexities of raising and teaching children with disabilities. The primary aim of the program was to provide a compassionate platform for knowledge exchange, offering practical strategies and emotional support to caregivers while raising public awareness about the realities of the disability community.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCWjDLGZR
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
Source: 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
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) Academic Module for the Social Classroom Model at the UKM Autism Learning Laboratory
6 December 2025, In conjunction with the UKM Cakna OKU Programme at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Academic Module for the Social Classroom Model at the UKM Autism Learning Laboratory was officially launched. Six modules were introduced to support the social classroom model, which has been implemented to prepare students with autism for the transition to mainstream schooling. This social classroom model also emphasizes co-teaching, with multiple teachers collaborating within the classroom.
During the programme, the official uniform for the UKM Autism Learning Laboratory was also unveiled, reflecting efforts to enhance the professionalism of teachers within the laboratory.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DCzDTWuC6
e) Personalized support session with Mr. Ahmad Zahiruddin Zailani
On November 5, 2026, UPS-OKU held a personalized support session with Mr. Ahmad Zahiruddin Zailani to reinforce his academic and emotional well-being. The aim of this meeting was to provide a comprehensive roadmap for his studies, ensuring he felt fully integrated into the university’s support ecosystem. By offering academic guidance, strategic referrals, and continuous motivation, the program’s impact was seen in the empowerment of the student’s self-confidence and the reaffirmation of UKM’s commitment to inclusive education (SDG 4). This initiative successfully transformed institutional policy into a tangible, human-centric support system, ensuring that individual challenges are met with collective solutions and a dedicated path toward excellence.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17BoFoDxk3
f) Reaching Out to UKM Students with Disabilities
On November 4, 2025, UPS-OKU UKM hosted an outreach session titled Reaching Out to UKM Students with Disabilities to provide information, support, and follow-up actions for student welfare. The session was attended by Ms. Nurul Soleha binti Razali, Treasurer of SMAKU, and Ms. Siti Aisyah binti Ayub, alongside Mr. Muhammad Anuar bin Ab. Ghani, a former intern now appointed as a “Buddy” to Mr. Ahmad Zahiruddin Zailani, a student with autism. The aim of this engagement was to establish a dedicated support system for academic adjustment and personal well-being. The impact of this program was the strengthening of a peer-mentorship network and the reinforcement of the UPS-OKU office as a vital, inclusive hub for information and counseling. By facilitating these strategic “Buddy” connections, the university successfully promoted inclusive learning and reduced social inequalities, ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary environment to thrive.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1N7GV13v9F
g) Living with ADHD: From Confusion to Acceptance Talk
On October 30, 2025, the program “Living with ADHD: From Confusion to Acceptance” was organized to provide a deeper understanding of Neurodiversity within the campus community. The primary aim of this session was to de-stigmatize ADHD by guiding participants through the journey of recognizing symptoms, seeking a diagnosis, and ultimately embracing their unique cognitive profiles. The impact of the program was significant, as it offered a safe space for students to transition from a state of uncertainty to self-empowerment, while also equipping peers and educators with practical strategies for support. By fostering a culture of neuro-inclusivity, this initiative directly contributed to Good Health and Well-being and Quality Education, ensuring that students with ADHD are seen, understood, and provided with an equitable environment to achieve academic excellence.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14MzcLsxaqY
h) Electric Wheelchair Donation Ceremony
On January 10, 2025, an Electric Wheelchair Donation Ceremony was held, where the Yayasan Muallaf Malaysia generously presented a mobility aid to a UKM student with a disability. The primary aim of this initiative was to enhance the student’s campus mobility and physical independence, effectively removing the logistical barriers that often hinder academic participation. The impact of this contribution is profound, as it provides the recipient with the autonomy to navigate the university environment more efficiently, thereby boosting their self-confidence and focusing their energy on academic success. Furthermore, this event exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships between the university and NGOs, directly advancing Reduced Inequalities and Quality Education by ensuring that physical limitations do not prevent a student from achieving their full potential.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HQAxr9vtJ
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) Basic Disability Awareness Course
4 October 2025, The Basic Persons with Disabilities (OKU) Course is one of the key programmes organised under the Karnival Cakna OKU 2025, held in conjunction with the UKM-level Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The course consists of two main components. The first session, Basic OKU Course 1: Non-Verbal Communication (Basic Malaysian Sign Language), introduces participants to basic communication skills used by the Deaf community. This session aims to cultivate awareness of communication barriers while equipping participants with foundational sign language knowledge to promote more inclusive interactions.
The second session, Basic OKU Course 2: What is Braille?, introduces the Braille writing system used by persons with visual impairments. Uniquely, both sessions are conducted by Deaf and blind trainers, offering participants an authentic learning experience directly from members of the OKU community. This approach not only enhances understanding but also promotes respect, empathy, and meaningful engagement.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16m6j34tvx
b) Sign Language Communication Programme
On November 26, 2025, the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club successfully organized the “Language Without Sound” (Bahasa Tanpa Suara) program, an inclusive initiative that brought together students, volunteers, and the local community. The primary aim of the program was to bridge the communication gap between the hearing and Deaf communities by teaching basic sign language skills, raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by the Deaf, and celebrating the diversity of human expression. The impact of this event was highly significant, as it successfully dismantled social barriers and empowered participants with the tools for inclusive communication. By fostering deep empathy and practical skills, the program not only sensitized the public toward the needs of the Deaf community but also directly advanced Reduced Inequalities and Quality Education, reinforcing the university’s commitment to building a truly accessible and compassionate society.
Sources: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ssa76pUsY
c) Sign Language Class
On May 30, 2025, the UKM Cakna OKU Volunteer Club organized the Basic Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) Class as a proactive gesture of support and care for the disability community, specifically the hearing impaired. The primary aim of this initiative was to provide the campus community with foundational skills in sign language communication while fostering a spirit of inclusivity and heightening awareness regarding social diversity. The program’s impact was evident in the breaking down of communication barriers, as participants moved beyond mere awareness to practical engagement with the Deaf community.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/184kYwVdaN
d) Humanity Bridge Literature Interactive Discourse
On December 3, 2025, the Center for Rehabilitation and Special Needs (ICaRehab) at the Faculty of Health Sciences, UKM, hosted the Humanity Bridge Literature Interactive Discourse (Wacana Interaktif Sastera Jambatan Insani) at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). Held in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, the program operated under the theme “Literature as a Bridge to Humanity: Awareness, Mindfulness, and Compassion.” The primary aim of this initiative was to nurture the literary talents and creative potential of the disability community while deepening public understanding of their shared human values and unique capabilities.
Source: https://www.ukm.my/beritaukm/fsk-gilap-bakat-dan-potensi-golongan-oku
e) Disability Equality Training (DET) for Frontliners
A series of Disability Equality Training (DET) sessions was held across three series from July 8 to July 10, 2025. DET is a comprehensive methodology designed to understand disability issues through the lens of the Social Model. This internationally recognized training is highly effective in fostering inclusive societies and environments. This specific series was opened to UKM frontliners including Nurses, Auxiliary Police, Security Guards, General Service Assistants, and Counter Staff to enhance their understanding of the needs and proper engagement protocols for the person with disabilities (OKU) community at UKM. Consequently, the UKM Disability Service Unit (UPS-OKU) provided this platform for all frontline personnel to participate in this vital empowerment initiative. By training nurses, police, and security personnel in Disability Equality, the university ensures fairness and respect value in organizations.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DL6IoiaTKz7 , https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GbQUNfYsZ
