KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 – The special edition of Library On Air@KSJ: Sembang Siswa was successfully held at Foyer A, Kolej Siswa Jaya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). With the theme “The Figure Behind the Name: Tan Sri Ainuddin Abdul Wahid”, the programme was organised by the UTM Library Department in collaboration with the Student Committee (JKM) of Kolej Siswa Jaya (KSJ), the Student Representative Council (MPP), and UTM Kuala Lumpur Library.

The session featured two student speakers – Nur Adilah Adanan, a postgraduate student, and Muhammad Harraz Shamsaidi, a Diploma in Civil Engineering student – moderated by a representative from MPP. The discussion highlighted the legacy of UTM’s first Vice-Chancellor, Tan Sri Ainuddin Abdul Wahid, a respected Malaysian educationist who played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of higher education in Malaysia after UTM was elevated to full university status in 1975. He is remembered as a role model of humility, perseverance, and service to the nation, inspiring generations of students and educators.

To enrich the programme, the UTM Library set up a pop-up library showcasing selected book collections related to the theme. This initiative successfully drew students to explore, browse, and borrow books on the spot, reinforcing the programme’s aim of nurturing a reading culture. The event, which drew more than 130 students from various faculties, also encouraged knowledge sharing, communication skills, and critical thinking.

Programme Director Nurdarwisyah Najhiha Mohd Zamzaini said the event received positive feedback and achieved its objectives, adding her hope that such initiatives will continue as platforms for intellectual engagement on campus. Programme Advisor Dr. Zatil Izzah Ahmad Tarmizi, Senior Lecturer at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), emphasised that cultivating knowledge through initiatives like Sembang Siswa could further strengthen students’ interest in reading.

Meanwhile, Nik Masriza Zakaria, Deputy Chief Librarian UTM Kuala Lumpur, highlighted that the programme is in line with UTM’s vision of nurturing well-rounded, knowledgeable, and competitive graduates, as echoed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.

The programme concluded with a photography session and has been planned to return in October 2025, following its proven success and impact.