Her Majesty The Queen of Malaysia Graces UTM International Students with Festive Fare

Office of Strategy and Corporate Affairs | Rohaizan Khairul Anuar

Johor Bahru, 31st March 2025 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was brimmed with joy and togetherness as over 500 international students, along with their friends and families, gathered at the UTM International Office for the annual International Students Eid Celebration.

This year’s celebration was made even more meaningful through the gracious sponsorship of Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia and UTM’s Chancellor. Her Majesty’s support, channelled through the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation, provided the festive fare and symbolised royal commitment to the well-being of UTM’s diverse student community.

Also present at the celebration was Encik Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation, who represented the Foundation and conveyed Her Majesty’s message of goodwill to the UTM community.

UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim (4th from right) and Encik Hishamuddin Abdul Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (3rd from right) pictured with the Presidents of International Students Bodies

In his welcoming address, UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the presence and spirit of the international community on campus. He also extended deep gratitude to Her Majesty for her continuous support towards UTM students.

“We take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the support and kindness extended by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia and our Chancellor, whose unwavering commitment to education and student welfare continues to inspire us. Today, through the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation, Her Majesty has generously provided us with a festive fare for today’s celebrations. Thank you and Menjunjung Kasih, Your Majesty,” said the Vice-Chancellor.

He went on to reassure the international community of their place in the UTM family:

“To our international students, many of whom are far from home, we want you to feel that UTM is your family. Your presence enriches our campus, and we are honoured to celebrate this joyous occasion with you.”

*UTM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim delivering his speech*

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the organising team in planning the event, which brought together students from more than 10 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The event was also experienced by UTM’s inbound mobility students hailing from China and France.

As colorful traditional attire, joyful greetings of Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya, and a spread of international and Malaysian festive delicacies filled the air, the event became a vibrant expression of cultural harmony and shared values.

The celebration stands as a testament to UTM’s commitment to fostering not just academic excellence, but also global understanding and community spirit—anchored in internationalisation vision of “Bringing the World to UTM, and UTM to the World.”