SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
10.6.3 Access to University Track Underrepresented Groups Recruit
Executive Evidence Summary: UTAR demonstrates a whole-of-institution strategy to widen access for underrepresented groups, aligned with the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Increasing Diversification of Student Composition is embedded in UTAR’s Strategic Plan 2023–2032 with clear governance oversight and long-term targets. UTAR formally defines underrepresented groups, including B40 low-income students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), first-generation university students, rural/remote communities, and ethnic minorities (e.g., Orang Asli, Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera). Targeted recruitment initiatives—such as sustained outreach programmes (2023–2025) endorsed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia—create structured access pipelines from disadvantaged secondary schools into higher education. Financial accessibility is ensured through a comprehensive scholarship ecosystem prioritising disadvantaged backgrounds, alongside zero-interest loans and emergency relief funds to prevent attrition. Academic bridging and English enhancement programmes support successful transition and completion, ensuring equity without compromising academic standards. This evidence-based, sustained, and scalable approach demonstrates measurable institutional impact on participation, retention, and social mobility.
UTAR is committed to reducing inequalities in access to higher education by implementing structured and proactive recruitment initiatives for underrepresented groups.
Definition of Underrepresented Groups
- Students from low-income households (B40 category)
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- First-generation university students
- Students from rural or remote communities
- Ethnic minorities and indigenous communities (e.g., Orang Asli, Sabah/Sarawak Bumiputera)
Strategic Initiative 2023-2032: Increasing Diversification of Student Composition
UTAR recognises that a diverse student population enhances academic quality, innovation, global outlook, and social unity. Increasing diversification of student composition is embedded as a Strategic Initiative in the UTAR Strategic Plan 2023–2032.
To systematically increase diversity across socio-economic status, geography, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, academic pathways, and nationality, UTAR has implemented the following:
1. Socio-Economic, Rural Communities and First-Generation Access
(a) Targeted Outreach
In 2023, UTAR Division of Programme Promotion initiated the Young Leaders Mentoring Programme (YLMP) in collaboration with Yu Cai Foundation (YCF) and Yayasan DayaDiri (YDD), focusing on underrepresented and underserved students from B40 and disadvantaged communities.
| No | Programme | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UTAR Ambassador Leadership Camp 2023 | 8–10 September 2023 |
| 2 | Young Leaders Mentoring Programme 2024 | 13–15 September 2024 |
| 3 | Youth Leadership Training Camp 2025 | 30 May–1 June 2025 |
(b) Financial Support
UTAR offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid to deserving students as follows:
| No | Name of Scholarships / Loan / Financial Aid | Priority of Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UTAR Care Scholarships Lim Pu Leh-UTAR Care Scholarships Loh Guat Choo-UTAR Care Scholarships Mr. Heng Hua Kian-UTAR Care Scholarships Radiant Canopy Care-UTAR Scholarships |
Students from disadvantaged background such as orphan/single parent from B40 income group/OKU and/or under similar difficult situations |
| 2 | HE Group-UTAR Care Scholarships | Students from B40, single-parent, or disadvantaged backgrounds |
| 3 | Tan Sri (Dr.) Lim Goh Tong – UTAR Scholarship Fund | Deserving and financially disadvantaged students |
| 4 | Muhibbah Students Program | Malaysian Bumiputra |
| 5 | The Star Education Fund | Deserving and financially needy students |
| 6 | UTAR-Sin Chew Daily Education Fund | Financially disadvantaged students |
| 7 | UTAR-UEC Scholarship | UEC students from families with low income |
| 8 | Dunkin-UTAR Unity Scholarship | Orang Asli (Indigenous People) students |
| 9 | Mr. Ng Chin Kiat S.M.J. Scholarship | Business degree students from families with a total monthly household income of RM5,000 and below |
| 10 | Nursing Scholarship (Degree) | Total combined monthly income of both parents is less than RM1,500 |
| 11 | UTAR 0% Interest Loan UTAR Student Loan UTAR Student Bridging Loan UTAR Student Bridging [Instant] Loan |
Long-term and short-term financial aid to support student’s fees payment |
| 12 | UTAR Relief Financial Aid | UTAR needy students who face an unforeseen emergency or personal crisis |
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
10.6.6 Support for Underrepresented Groups
Executive Evidence Summary: UTAR has established an institutional commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive participation by ensuring that underrepresented and disadvantaged groups have equitable access to academic, wellbeing and support services. This commitment is operationalised through formal student support structures under the Department of Student Affairs. Through the Centre for Healthy Minds and Wellbeing (CHMW), UTAR delivers free professional counselling, structured peer mentoring and peer support programmes that address academic, psychosocial and wellbeing needs. Services are provided by qualified counsellors and supported by academic advisors, trained peer mentors and peer helpers. Targeted outreach and referral mechanisms are in place to support low-income students, first-generation university students, international students, students with disabilities, at-risk students and those from marginalized communities. These interventions reduce barriers to participation, improve student wellbeing and resilience, support academic retention and foster a more inclusive campus environment. Collectively, UTAR’s integrated support ecosystem ensures equitable opportunities for success and enables underrepresented groups to participate fully and meaningfully in university life.
Counselling Services
UTAR offer free professional counselling services and supports via the CHMW for all UTAR staff and students in a safe and confidential environment. Our counsellors are registered with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (LKM) and they speak most of the major languages in Malaysia. Qualified counsellors provide confidential psychological, emotional and wellbeing support, including stress management, mental health intervention, and adjustment counselling. These services are accessible to all students, with targeted outreach and referral mechanisms to ensure underrepresented groups receive timely and appropriate support.
Staff and students can book for a 50 minutes appointment with the counselor through either walk-in to the CHMW office at Department of Students Affairs (DSA) or through online Appointment Form. The counselor will contact the staff/students within 3 working days after the submission of Appointment Form.
Peer Mentoring Programme
UTAR provides Peer Mentoring Programme, namely, ‘Senior Guiding Junior’ programme whereby freshmen in need are guided by trained mentors for 2 to 4 weeks to assist them to adapt to their new life at campus. Various student societies also create safe spaces where underrepresented students can share experiences, receive encouragement and build social network.
UTAR’s mentoring programmes also pair students with academic staff, trained mentors or senior peers to provide guidance on academic progression, career planning, and personal development. Special attention is given to students from low-income households, first-generation university students, students with disabilities, international students, at-risk students, and those from minority or marginalized communities. Mentors provide ongoing support to help students navigate academic expectations, campus life and personal challenges.
Peer Support Programme
Additionally, UTAR believe that peer support is as important as good quality counseling support. UTAR provides Peer Helping Programme that aims to equip students with counselling-based communication skills so that they could learn how to be empathetic and altruistic Peer Helpers. Iniatiated and handled by Peer Counsellors, a Happy M@il platform has been set up to enable students to obtain support from Peer Counsellors through letters or email.
Additionally, UTAR provides self-enrichment programme whereby workshops, Self-Enrichment Series (SES), Personal Growth Group, and Support Group to equip students with knowledge, skill and awareness to enable them to cope with the challenges in life.
Collectively, these mentoring, counselling and peer support initiatives strengthen equity, resilience and retention, ensuring that no student is left behind due to social, economic or personal barriers.
Summary of the UTAR Support for Underrepresented Groups
| No | Initiatives | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Counselling Services |
Counselling unit webpage (https://utar.edu.my/Counselling-and-Guidance-Unit.php) Annual counselling utilisation reports Qualified counsellor credentials |
| 2 |
Mentoring Support Academic Advisors Peer Mentoring Programme |
Academic Advisor reports Peer Mentoring Programme reports |
| 3 |
Peer Support Programme Peer Helping Programme Happy M@il Self-Enrichment Programme |
Peer support programme (https://utar.edu.my/Counselling-and-Guidance-Unit.php) Student society records |
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
10.6.7 Accessible Facilities at UTAR
Executive Evidence Summary: UTAR demonstrates institutional commitment to inclusive campus development by providing comprehensive accessible facilities across both Kampar and Sungai Long campuses. Evidence includes barrier-free ramps and wheelchair-accessible lifts with Braille features in major buildings, 50 accessible toilets compliant with MS 1184:2014 standards, 26 designated accessible parking bays, wheelchair loan services, accessible emergency and evacuation provisions, and on-campus sickbays. These facilities are embedded within UTAR’s campus planning and sustainability framework and are subject to ongoing review, ensuring equitable access, safety, and participation for persons with disabilities, in alignment with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Inclusive Campus Infrastructure
UTAR campuses are equipped with accessible infrastructure that enables safe and convenient mobility for individuals with diverse needs. These facilities are designed to remove physical barriers and promote a caring and inclusive campus culture.
List of Accessible Facilities at UTAR
- Ramps
- Lifts
- Accessible Toilets
- Designated Parking Lots
- Disabled Parking Pass
- Emergency and Evacuation Support
- Sickbay
- Wheelchair Services
- Tactile Paving
1. Ramps
UTAR provides ramps in all major facilities to ensure barrier-free entry to academic buildings, lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and administrative buildings. These ramps support independent mobility for wheelchair users and individuals with visual impairments.
2. Lifts
UTAR provides wheelchair-friendly lifts in all multi-storey buildings. These lifts are equipped with handrails and tactile buttons with Braille to support users with mobility or visual impairments, ensuring equitable vertical access across campus facilities.
3. Accessible Toilets
UTAR provides specially designed accessible washrooms in major buildings to support the comfort and dignity of users with mobility needs. A total of 50 accessible toilets are available across UTAR.
Designed according to MS 1184:2014, these toilets include:
- Outward-opening or sliding doors
- Horizontal and vertical grab bars
- Obstacle-free entrance clearance
- Lever-type taps and flush handles
- Non-slip flooring and appropriate basin height
4. Designated Parking Bays
UTAR provides 26 designated accessible parking bays located near building entrances to enhance convenience for users with mobility challenges. Special parking passes are provided for registered disabled staff and students to ensure equitable access.
5. Disabled Parking Pass
Parking passes are issued to registered persons with disabilities upon registration with the Department of Safety and Security, ensuring fair use of accessible parking facilities.
6. Emergency and Evacuation Support
UTAR buildings incorporate accessible emergency routes and safety equipment. Stretchers are available at designated locations to support safe evacuation for all campus users, including persons with disabilities.
7. Sickbay
Sickbays are established to manage emergencies and provide interim treatment before referral to nearby hospitals, ensuring safety and wellbeing for all campus users.
Kampar Campus: Student Pavilion 1 (Block C), Room C116
Sungai Long Campus: KA Block (Level 3), North Lobby, KB Block – DSA Counselling Room (Level 3A),
Level 5 (KB502) and Level 7
8. Wheelchair Services
UTAR provides wheelchairs on loan at main service counters including the Department of Safety and Security, Student Pavilion, UTAR Library, and selected faculty buildings. Frontline staff are trained to assist users safely and support independent mobility on campus.
9. Tactile Paving
Tactile paving has been installed across UTAR campuses to enhance accessibility and ensure safer navigation for persons with visual impairments. These indicators guide users along pedestrian routes, alert to hazards, and support independent mobility.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
UTAR regularly reviews accessibility standards as part of campus development and sustainability initiatives. Feedback from students and staff is actively used to guide improvements, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and user-friendly campus environment for all members of the university community.
10.6.9 Disability Access Scheme
Executive Evidence Summary: UTAR demonstrates strong institutional performance under THE SDG 10 criteria through a comprehensive Disability Access Scheme that ensures equitable participation for students and staff with disabilities. The University provides verifiable accessible infrastructure, including ramps, lifts, accessible washrooms, priority seating, dedicated parking and emergency evacuation support, fulfilling requirements for accessible facilities. UTAR also delivers structured disability support services through formal academic accommodations, including extended examination time, alternative venue arrangements, assistive device permissions, enlarged examination papers and computer usage approval. These institution-wide, implemented and evidenced measures demonstrate operational disability access schemes, directly supporting THE scoring indicators on accessibility, inclusion and equitable access to higher education.
UTAR promotes equitable participation by ensuring that students and staff with disabilities receive adequate support. The University aims to remove physical, academic and administrative barriers, ensuring full inclusion across teaching, learning, research and campus life.
The University provides accessible campus infrastructure including priority seating, ramps and lifts, accessible washrooms, emergency evacuation support and dedicated parking.
Special examination arrangements are provided for students with disabilities under standard examination arrangements, including:
- Extension of examination time
- Alternative examination venue arrangements:
- Separate examination venue
- Priority entry into examination venue
- Accessible seating to facilitate entry and exit
- Permission to use auxiliary aids such as hearing aids and magnifiers
- Question papers with enlarged font size
- Permission to use computer when answering examination questions