Taib (centre) receives a platinum plaque from Hatta, witnessed by (from right) Jabu, Uggah and Kadim.
KUCHING: The alumni association of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has managed to raise RM321,470 – thanks to the contribution from 91 individuals and 49 companies and organisations.
This was disclosed during the ‘Unimas Alumni Dinner 2017’ at the State Legislative Assembly Complex (DUN) on Saturday, where the guests-of-honour were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.
The event was also held to mark the 25th anniversary of Unimas, where Taib is the chancellor.
Proceeds from the funds raised during the dinner would be used to provide scholarships, education incentives and emergency funding for students.
The event also held the launch of the ‘Unimas Endowment’ and the presentation of platinum sponsorships from local organisations such as Hock Seng Lee Bhd, which contributed RM50,000.
Other platinum sponsors were N16 Muara Tuang Service Centre, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra), P194 Petra Jaya Parliamentary, Sarawak Energy Bhd, Ta Ann Holdings Bhd and Unimas Holdings Sdn Bhd – each contributing RM20,000.
The university also received a RM250,000 contribution from the state government, which was approved by then-chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem before his passing on Jan 11 this year.
The Unimas alumni comprise 32,454 former students.
Other VVIP guests at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Unimas pro-chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suadi, and Unimas board of director member Datu Dr Hatta Solhi.