JOHOR BAHRU, 15 Nov. – What began as a philanthropic vision to support Palestinian students in pursuing higher education has become a meaningful story of hope and academic achievement, as Dr. Rawda M. E. Sunoqrot, a recipient of the UTM Serambi Al-Quds Scholarship, successfully earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

Her achievement, celebrated during UTM’s 70th Convocation Ceremony from 14 to 19 November 2026, represents more than an individual academic milestone. It demonstrates the transformative impact of philanthropy and the collective generosity of donors who believe that education can create opportunities, even for those facing extraordinary challenges in their homeland.

Dr. Rawda, who received the scholarship in 2023, is one of nine Palestinian students awarded the UTM Serambi Al-Quds Scholarship, an initiative that provides opportunities for qualified scholars to pursue doctoral education through university support and philanthropic contributions.

Although she was unable to return to Malaysia to receive her degree scroll in person due to the challenges of travelling from Palestine, Dr. Rawda shared her happiness and appreciation through a video message published on UTM Endowmen’s social media platform: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1EGs94621H/.

Her success is a testament to how philanthropic contributions can produce meaningful outcomes, transforming financial support into academic achievement, professional expertise and renewed hope for the future.

UTM Serambi Al-Quds: A Philanthropic Vision for Palestinian Education

The UTM Serambi Al-Quds Programme was initiated under the leadership of Tan Sri Azman Hj. Mokhtar, Chairman of the UTM Board of Directors and Chairman of the UTM Endowment Board of Trustees, driven by a commitment to providing educational opportunities for Palestinian students facing difficult circumstances in their homeland.

Endorsed by the UTM Board of Directors in September 2021 and officially launched during the UTM Royal Gala Dinner on 16 July 2022, the programme was established with the aspiration of sponsoring ten qualified Palestinian students to pursue doctoral studies at UTM.

At its heart, the initiative reflects a simple yet profound belief: access to education should not be determined by the hardships or conflicts experienced in one’s home country.

 

Through UTM Serambi Al-Quds, the university sought to bring together institutional resources, philanthropic contributions and strategic partnerships to support promising Palestinian scholars in advancing their education and research.

The programme was designed to provide comprehensive financial assistance covering tuition fees, living allowances, accommodation, travel expenses, insurance and other educational necessities throughout their studies.

This approach reflects the university’s commitment to ensuring that beneficiaries receive not only access to education but also the support needed to pursue academic excellence.

The Power of Philanthropy: RM2.06 Million Mobilised for Palestinian Scholars

A defining feature of the UTM Serambi Al-Quds Programme is the collective commitment of philanthropists, corporate organisations and individual donors who came forward to support its humanitarian and educational objectives.

In 2023, an approximately RM2.00 million had been secured, comprising RM1.5 million contributed by individual and corporate philanthropists and RM650,000 in tuition fee sponsorship from UTM.

The contributions demonstrated how philanthropy, supported by the university’s institutional commitment, could mobilise meaningful resources to address educational needs beyond national boundaries.

Through UTM’s endowment fundraising efforts, these contributions were channelled towards supporting the programme and its scholarship recipients, helping to alleviate financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented Palestinian students from pursuing advanced education.

The generosity of donors also underscores the importance of partnerships between universities and society in advancing educational and humanitarian causes.

For the philanthropists who supported the programme, their contributions were more than financial commitments. They represented an investment in human potential, academic excellence and the possibility of a better future for Palestinian scholars and their communities.

The true value of these contributions is reflected not merely in the amount raised, but in the lives and educational journeys they help transform.

Dr. Rawda: A Scholarship That Opened the Door to Academic Success

Dr. Rawda’s achievement provides a compelling example of the impact made possible through the UTM Serambi Al-Quds Programme.

She began her PhD studies at UTM in September 2023, accompanied by her five-month-old daughter, embarking on a demanding academic journey while balancing her responsibilities as a mother and researcher.

Over the following three years, she faced numerous challenges, including the demands of motherhood, changes in academic supervision and research direction, and the pressure of completing her studies within the scholarship period.

Despite these circumstances, Dr. Rawda remained determined to succeed.

With the support of her supervisors and the Faculty of Science at UTM, she completed her PhD thesis in her fifth semester, published two scientific papers in Q1/Q2 journals and received the Best Oral Presenter Award at the International Conference on Water and Bio-Environmental Sustainability (ICOWBAS 2025).

Her academic achievement illustrates how financial assistance, coupled with a supportive learning environment, can empower individuals to realise their potential despite significant personal and external challenges.

What began as an opportunity made possible through the generosity of philanthropists has culminated in the successful graduation of a Palestinian scholar equipped with advanced knowledge and research expertise.

Although Dr. Rawda could not be physically present during the convocation ceremony, her achievement stands as a meaningful outcome of the confidence and support placed in her through the scholarship.

Beyond Financial Contributions: Building a Lasting Humanitarian Legacy

For UTM’s Fundraising Section, the success of Dr. Rawda demonstrates the wider purpose of endowment fundraising and philanthropy in higher education.

Financial contributions are not simply resources collected and distributed. When strategically directed towards education, they become instruments for expanding opportunities, empowering individuals and developing human capital.

The UTM Serambi Al-Quds Programme represents this philosophy by connecting the generosity of philanthropists with the educational aspirations of Palestinian students who might otherwise face significant barriers to pursuing postgraduate studies.

Through this initiative, UTM has demonstrated how universities can serve as platforms for humanitarian engagement, bringing together academic expertise, institutional resources and community contributions to create meaningful and sustainable social impact.

Dr. Rawda’s graduation is therefore not merely the conclusion of a three-year academic journey. It is a tangible reminder of what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together with a shared commitment to education and humanity.

The UTM Fundraising Section extends its sincere appreciation to Tan Sri Azman Hj. Mokhtar for his leadership in initiating the programme, and to all individual philanthropists, corporate organisations and supporters whose generosity has contributed to the implementation of UTM Serambi Al-Quds.

Beyond Financial Contributions: Building a Lasting Humanitarian Legacy

For UTM’s Fundraising Section, the success of Dr. Rawda demonstrates the wider purpose of endowment fundraising and philanthropy in higher education.

Financial contributions are not simply resources collected and distributed. When strategically directed towards education, they become instruments for expanding opportunities, empowering individuals and developing human capital.

The UTM Serambi Al-Quds Programme represents this philosophy by connecting the generosity of philanthropists with the educational aspirations of Palestinian students who might otherwise face significant barriers to pursuing postgraduate studies.

Through this initiative, UTM has demonstrated how universities can serve as platforms for humanitarian engagement, bringing together academic expertise, institutional resources and community contributions to create meaningful and sustainable social impact.

Dr. Rawda’s graduation is therefore not merely the conclusion of a three-year academic journey. It is a tangible reminder of what can be achieved when individuals and organisations come together with a shared commitment to education and humanity.

The UTM Fundraising Section extends its sincere appreciation to Tan Sri Azman Hj. Mokhtar for his leadership in initiating the programme, and to all individual philanthropists, corporate organisations and supporters whose generosity has contributed to the implementation of UTM Serambi Al-Quds.

Their contributions have helped create opportunities for Palestinian scholars to pursue knowledge, develop expertise and aspire towards a brighter future despite the difficulties affecting their homeland.

For every philanthropist who contributed to UTM Serambi Al-Quds, Dr. Rawda’s achievement represents more than a doctoral degree. It is a living testament to the impact of their generosity and the enduring legacy they have helped create.

Her success serves as an inspiration for continued philanthropic partnerships in supporting education, particularly for students from communities affected by conflict and uncertainty.

Through initiatives such as UTM Serambi Al-Quds, the university remains committed to advancing the role of philanthropy in higher education, demonstrating that every meaningful contribution has the potential to empower knowledge, restore hope and transform lives.

UTM Fundraising Section (Seksyen Pendanaan UTM)

Empowering Knowledge, Building a Legacy