KUALA KUBU BAHARU, April 17 — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its Centre for Co-Curriculum and Student Development (PKPP), organised the National Volunteer and Basic Emergency Certification Programme 2026, bringing together 81 students from public universities to enhance volunteer skills and professionalism.

The programme aims to standardise student volunteer competencies, improve safety levels during missions, and develop disciplined and skilled volunteers through structured training modules.

PKPP Director, Associate Professor Dr Mohd Mursyid Arshad, said that the diversity of practices in student volunteer missions requires proper coordination to ensure safety and operational effectiveness in the field.

“In line with the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026–2035, this programme helps bridge gaps in developing the character of future leaders, particularly in ethical leadership and the application of noble values,” he said.

Additionally, the involvement of universities in various volunteer missions such as post-flood assistance, community service, and foster family programmes requires systematic training to produce students who are ready to lead and resilient.

Programme Director, Emilia Umairah Zulkifli Gan, 22, said that the two-day programme provided comprehensive exposure to aspects of management, leadership, and emotional control in challenging situations.

“Managing a large-scale programme like this has taught us to become more effective leaders, with a strong focus on participant welfare and optimal knowledge delivery,” she said.

A participant from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Azura Safiyani Shafie, 22, described the programme as a beneficial learning platform, particularly in terms of discipline and basic volunteer skills.

“We were exposed to first aid training, volunteer ethics, and leadership. This programme provides great added value and is hoped to continue in the future,” she said.

The programme also received strategic collaboration from the Public University Volunteer Council (MASKUM), the Public University Co-Curriculum Council (UNICC), and the Civil Defence Student Corps together with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Hulu Selangor District.

Date of Input: 21/04/2026 | Updated: 21/04/2026 | saidatul.halim