PPPJJ RAMADAN GATHERING: SHARING A THOUSAND MEALS, STRENGTHENING A THOUSAND TIES

USM PENANG, 3 March 2026 - The School of Distance Education (PPPJJ), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) organised its Ramadan Gathering programme today, bringing together administrative staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, former staff, and alumni in an event imbued with the spirit of togetherness and brotherhood.

The programme, held at PPPJJ USM, represents an annual initiative by the school to strengthen silaturahim (ties of kinship) among the PPPJJ community, while fostering a spirit of caring that serves as a cornerstone in building a holistic academic community.

Within the context of distance education, which is predominantly conducted online, the organisation of such face-to-face gatherings is viewed as a strategic step toward bridging the gap between administrators, academics, and students.

This Ramadan Gathering programme aligns with the school's aspiration to strengthen relational networks across the various strata of the PPPJJ community.

The presence of former staff and alumni at the event reflects that the bonds of kinship with this institution remain unbroken, even long after they have departed from campus life.

Throughout the programme, attendees had the opportunity to interact in an informal setting, thereby opening avenues for the exchange of ideas and experiences across generations.

It represents an effective approach in cultivating an inclusive and mutually supportive campus ecosystem.

The afternoon's programme featured the distribution of 100 packs of iftar (breaking of fast) meals to recipients comprising campus community members along with local and international students as well.

Each distributed pack contained suitable food items to restore the recipients' energy after a day of fasting. Also included was 'bubur kanji', a traditional porridge that symbolizes the values of moderation and gentleness of heart in the practice of sharing sustenance.

As a token of appreciation for the presence and support of all parties, PPPJJ duit raya envelopes were also inserted into each meal pack.

Every distributed pack carried the message that the month of Ramadan is the ideal moment to translate the value of caring into action through the practice of giving and sharing with those in need.

Adding to the afternoon's festivities was the presence of the Dean of PPPJJ, Associate Professor Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob, who not only officiated the distribution of iftar meals to recipients but also shared his reflections on the programme's significance in an exclusive interview with the university's Media and Public Relations Centre (MPRC).

According to him, today's programme aimed to bring the school closer to the USM community who have, over time, contributed to PPPJJ's development, even though they are not part of the school's staff.

"Among them are alumni who graduated from this programme and now serve in management and professional roles within PPPJJ. Today's gathering also stands as a token of appreciation for the students, alumni, and staff who have contributed to the development of this school," he stated.

Zulnaidi further emphasised the crucial role of students and alumni in driving the school's progress.

"Students and alumni are always the important backbone for the progress of a school. They are also vital sources and inputs. We always welcome their ideas and views on how this school can continue to be beneficial as a leader in lifelong education," he added.

In the same vein, he called upon the entire campus community to make the most of the Ramadan month.

He urged, "Let us seize this opportunity to continue worshipping and strengthening our faith together. May we also take this chance to extend help to those in need, and make this blessed month one that nurtures us into becoming more pious servants of Allah SWT."

Concluding the interview, Zulnaidi also shared information regarding opportunities to further studies at USM through distance learning programmes.

"For those interested in furthering their studies at USM through distance learning programmes (RPJJ), applications for admission to these programmes are now open. Please apply and disseminate this information to those who wish to pursue studies via distance learning," he said.

The personal involvement of the PPPJJ Dean in the process of distributing the iftar meals reflects the school leadership's commitment to caring for every segment of the PPPJJ community.

His action also serves as a symbol that leadership in an educational institution is not merely anchored in the administrative hierarchy, but also encompasses aspects of welfare and human relations.

The success of organising this year's Ramadan Gathering programme has generated a positive impact, consequently enhancing the campus community's reception towards similar welfare initiatives.

The organisers expressed their hope that this programme can be sustained in the future as an ongoing initiative to strengthen the bonds of kinship and foster a culture of caring within the university community.

At the close of the event, the positive feedback from recipients and attendees affirmed that the programme had successfully achieved its objectives: strengthening silaturahim, nurturing the spirit of togetherness, and fostering the value of caring within the PPPJJ community.

Ramadan teaches the meaning of patience, while programmes such as this teach the meaning of compassion and social responsibility towards those around us.

Source: Mohd Rashid Abdul Rejab, PPPJJ, USM/Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: PPPJJ, USM