Tanjong malim: The dream of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia's (STPM) outstanding achiever Lovely Sabana Augustine to pursue her studies at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has become a reality after she received assistance through UPSI's and the Higher Education Ministry's (MOHE) Ziarah Prihatin programme today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UPSI said Lovely Sabana, who is set to enrol at the university's Faculty of Human Sciences, had previously faced financial constraints in paying her registration fees and preparing the necessities to begin her studies for the 2026/2027 academic session. The story of the student's financial hardship went viral on social media after she appealed for financial assistance to cover her registration fees and study-related expenses ahead of her registration at UPSI on Sept 13.

UPSI said the university reached out to assist Lovely Sabana through UPSI's Ziarah Prihatin visits with MOHE in Tumpat and Pasir Mas, Kelantan, which also extended assistance to two other prospective students in need. Under the programme, Lovely Sabana, together with Siti Nurdianis Nordin, a prospective student of the Faculty of Management and Economics, and Muhamad Ilias Danish, a prospective student of the Faculty of Languages and Communication, each received RM1,500 to help with their preparations before registering at UPSI.

Of the amount, RM500 was contributed by UPSI's Centre for Waqf, Endowment, Zakat, Khairat, and Sadaqah (WEZAS), while the remaining RM1,000 was provided by Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS). Department of Higher Education (JPT) Student Affairs Division director Hirman Awang said the assistance reflected MOHE's commitment to ensuring promising students are not held back from pursuing higher education due to financial constraints.

'YPS is always ready to be the 'frontline force' in safeguarding the welfare of university students, and the RM1,000 contribution to each student is hoped to boost their morale and help cover some of their basic needs and registration fees before they enrol on campus,' he said in the statement. Meanwhile, UPSI deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Norkhalid Salimin said the university is always attentive to the difficulties faced by prospective students, particularly those from families with financial constraints.

'UPSI, through the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA) and WEZAS, is always proactive in identifying students who require early assistance. This outreach initiative is not merely about providing financial aid, but also ensuring that they know UPSI is always there to support their academic journey from day one,' he said.

Lovely Sabana, the youngest of four siblings, lives with her mother Mek Kenui in Tumpat, Kelantan. Her mother works as a cleaner at a school, earning about RM800 a month, and is also a member of the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA), while her father, a former soldier, died in 2017. Siti Nurdianis comes from a family with an unstable income, with her mother relying on daily wages, while Muhamad Ilias' family lost their breadwinner following his father's death, and he now helps his mother support the family.

UPSI said the programme is a strategic collaboration between UPSI, YPS and JPT to ensure the welfare of prospective students continues to receive attention to prevent those in need from missing out on opportunities to pursue higher education.