UUM ONLINE: The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered economic, health, social and humanitarian crises on a global scale. Together with it, it brought along an unprecedented impact that has changed human life. Hence, embracing the digital world is crucial in order to go about living lives in the new norm.
According to the Chairman of Student Development, Islamic Business School School (IBS) Dr. Nursiha Alias,employment, education and leisure activities sector have also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed millions of lives so much so people have been encouraged to conduct their daily affairs including learning activities online.
"Online learning requires students to have a laptop, unfortunately not all students can afford it because some of them come from underprivileged families.
According to him, some students have to use their mobile phone when taking online classes because they cannot not afford to buy laptops. This in turn will mean that they may have to study in uncomfortable conditions for a long time.
"There are many underprivileged people out there, so we need to be concerned and try to find funds to help them. Therefore acting on the information provided by IBS Student Rep, asnaf and students from the B40 group were identified," she said.
Concerned with students’ hardship, the IBS Student Development Committee and UUM Institute for Research and Zakat Innovation (IPIZ) donated laptops to 10 asnaf students in conjunction with the Laptop Assistance Community Programme for Asnaf and selected students from the B40 group. The event was officiated by Director of IPIZ, Dr. Mohd Solehuddin Shuib at the IPIZ Meeting Room recently.
Dr. Mohd Solehuddin said since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the nation earlier this year it prompted the Ministry of Higher Education to implement online learning activities in the effort to break the chain of COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, based on observation, Dr. Nursiha and Dr. Azizah Othman found that there were still students who do not have complete facilities such as laptop and had to go to cyber cafes to attend their online classes.
According to them a total of 10 students had been identified from this group who needed assistance to facilitate their studies.
"This humanitarian project is funded with funds raised from IBS lecturers, external contributors to UUM and IPIZ seminar profit fund. These laptops have also been delivered by courier service to the students’ respective homes.
"I fervently hope the students will remain committed to seeking knowledge in new norms. The laptops will indeed facilitate their learning process in a more conducive environment," she said.
Also present were members of the Programme Committee and representatives from Qasturie Changloon Computer Company and Sobahul Computer Solution.