Bridging Hearts and Campuses: My Journey Supporting Palestinian Refugee Families in Kuala Lumpur

By Saif, 2025/26 UTM Bseisu Scholar

Since stepping onto the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTMKL) campus, my goal has been to make an impact that goes beyond regular university life.

During the holy month of Ramadan, I had the privilege of organising a Ramadan Outreach Programme to support 30 Palestinian families living in Malaysia. Working hand-in-hand with the UTM International Office, I helped direct a generous fund of 10,000 Malaysian Ringgit to provide practical help to these families. Yet, true support is about more than just financial assistance; it is about building community and bringing joy to people’s lives. This is why, on 14th March, we held an event that brought together both organisers and beneficiaries of the program. It involved an engaging program of STEM related activities, which I helped organise and deliver to the 40 Palestinian children in attendance. This involved an immensely popular activity where children built structures using spaghetti and marshmallows. Overall the program created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the families in attendance who have faced unimaginable hardships.

I was inspired to participate because I saw a real need for community support and chose to take action, striving to be a driving force for compassion and unity during one of the most important times of the year. My vision, however, extended beyond a single month of giving. I recognised the need for a long-term connection between our university and the Palestinian student community. I am incredibly proud to have been able to facilitate a partnership between the UTM International Office and the General Palestinian Union of Students in Malaysia, which led directly to the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the two parties. By helping forge this partnership I hope that a lasting foundation has been established from which we can continue to support the Palestinian community and open doors for future Palestinian students coming to study at UTM. 

This experience at UTMKL has taught me exactly what it means to lead with both heart and action, that can create ripple effects of hope and concrete support for the Palestinian community here in Malaysia.