SINTOK: Ruba Naim, 21, was supposed to be pursuing her third semester as a Bachelor of Information Technology (IT) student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, Palestine, for the 2024/2025 academic session.
However, she now finds herself at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) after she and her brother, Isam, 20, were forced to flee Gaza following the Israeli military's bombing of every university in the enclave.
Ruba, who registered today as a first-year undergraduate at UUM, shared that she and Isam were now working to rebuild the lives they lost due to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We arrived in Malaysia on Sept 2 after our homes and universities were destroyed in Gaza about five months ago. We then fled to Egypt for four months before deciding to continue our education here in Malaysia, where it's safe," she said when met at UUM during the university's first day of orientation week.
Ruba said adjusting to life at UUM had been a smooth process for both her and Isam, expressing her appreciation for the kindness of Malaysians.
"Of course, many aspects of the culture and food are different, but the people here are very kind, and it makes me feel like I'm connected to the world, meeting people from diverse places here at UUM.
"In Gaza, we faced bombs and persecution, while in Egypt, we lived in encampments. The contrast is stark, and we've enjoyed being here," she added.
Isam, who also registered today as a Bachelor of Computer Science student, explained that he chose UUM after his father, N. Y. Naim, recommended it, having completed his doctorate (PhD) at UUM.
"My father said the education quality and facilities here were excellent, creating a conducive learning environment. The degree is also highly valued.
"Additionally, UUM is very welcoming to foreign students, especially Palestinians," he said.
Ruba and Isam were among 79 international students who registered as undergraduates at UUM today, joining a total of 4,195 students, both local and international, across 48 undergraduate programmes.
UUM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting underprivileged and disabled students, both locally and internationally.
He said students from poor families enrolling at the university today were not only getting a postponement in paying fees and other charges, but they were also getting cash aid of RM500.
One such student, Nur Dini Nasuha Amir, 20, from Bayan Lepas, Penang, expressed her gratitude to UUM for providing an accommodating environment for disabled students.
Born without a left hand, Nur Dini is eager to begin her Bachelor of Creative Industries studies, hoping to become an animator.
"Alhamdulillah, UUM has also provided me with assistance through an RM500 e-Wallet, as I come from an underprivileged background," said Nur Dini, whose father, Amir Non, 51, sells banana fritters alongside her mother, Norlida Nordin, 50, to support their family.