Serdang, 29 November 2022 – The implementation of prudent, transparent financial management that adheres to treasury circulars is a key element of governance, especially within government and statutory bodies. Public universities are no exception in ensuring that financial management is administered carefully and in compliance with prevailing government regulations.

In line with this, the Bursar’s Office of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with the Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT), took the initiative to organize the Professional Finance for Non-Finance (ProFiNoF) Program over two (2) days, from 23 to 24 November 2022, at AKEPT, Lebuh Enstek, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan. Invitations were extended to all 20 Malaysian Public Universities (UA), specifically targeting top and senior management staff who are not from finance backgrounds (Non-Finance Managers).

Alhamdulillah, the program received a warm response with the attendance of 68 participants from 16 public universities, including International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), National Defence University of Malaysia, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Technical University of Malaysia Malacca (UTeM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

The ProFiNoF program featured six (6) key financial process topics presented by speakers from UPM’s Bursar Office, one topic by the Head of the Internal Audit Unit of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and a special forum session featuring distinguished guest panelists including YBhg. Dato’ Zulkiflee bin Othman, former Bursar of UPM; YBrs. En. Azmi bin Zainal, Chief Operating Officer of Farm Fresh Berhad; YBhg. Dato’ Nur ‘Aliyah Karen, Founder of Yayasan Health On World; and YBrs. Hj Mohammad Syahnis bin Salleh, Board Member of MAIWP Waqf Centre. Below is a breakdown of the program based on the topics presented:

23 November 2022

• Topic 1: Annual Budget Estimates (Ms. Siti Amira Binti Shukor)

• Topic 2: Financial Sustainability and Revenue Management (Ms. Mazitah Binti Ahmad)

• Topic 3: Procurement Driving Teaching and Research (Ms. 'Itrah Hayati Binti Abdul Rahim)

• Topic 4: Transparency and Accountability in Payments (Ms. Yusnawati Binti Mat Isa)

• Topic 5: Strengthening Asset Management (Mr. Mohd 'Akhi Bin Abu Bakar)

24 November 2022

• Topic 6: Financial Statements as Indicators of University Management Sustainability (Ms. Hafizah Binti Misran)

• Topic 7: Sharing of Internal Audit Issues Towards Strengthening Financial Governance in Higher Education Institutions (Ms. Rokiah Binti Saad, Head of Internal Audit Unit, MOHE)

• Forum: Challenges in Public University Funding: Industry Perspectives

The main objectives of the ProFiNoF Program were to introduce a financial management program developed by UPM’s Bursar’s Office in collaboration with AKEPT to all public universities—particularly for non-financial officers—as well as to share experiences and insights on university financial management in line with the application of existing treasury circulars. The program also aimed to foster discussion on current issues and new ideas, especially concerning university funding, through a forum featuring guest speakers from private agencies, statutory bodies, and the corporate sector.

The organizers believe that programs such as this one provide participants with valuable experiences, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of university financial governance. It is hoped that the insights shared will help improve the financial management systems of public universities, making them more efficient, transparent, and competitive.

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Date of Input: 26/08/2023 | Updated: 22/04/2025 | s_astri