Written and Translated by:  Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid 

Edited by: Suziana Che Wil 

Serdang, 31 January 2026 – The Malaysian Public Universities Alumni Council (MALUMNI) successfully organised the MALUMNI Dinner Reception and the Launch of 473 Caring Alumni Network Programmes (CAKNA) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), marking a significant milestone in strengthening alumni engagement nationwide.

The event was officially officiated by YBhg. Professor Datuk Dr. Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. The evening was further graced by the presence of YBhg. Associate Professor Datuk Dr. Sabri Mohamad Sharif, Chairman of MALUMNI, and YBhg. Professor Ts. Dr. Rusllim bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of MALUMNI.

The Caring Alumni Network Programme (CAKNA)—which represents Caring, Aspiration, Welfare, Values and Alumni—is an initiative mobilised through the public universities’ alumni ecosystem under MALUMNI. For the year 2026, CAKNA encompasses 473 alumni-driven programmes implemented across public universities nationwide, reflecting the collective commitment of alumni to contribute meaningfully to universities, society and national development in a structured and impactful manner.

The Ministry of Higher Education welcomed the implementation of CAKNA as a strategic platform that strengthens alumni networks while enhancing alumni welfare and social responsibility. This initiative also complements the “Alumni Back to Campus” agenda, one of the seven key thrusts outlined in the Higher Education Development Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035, as announced by the Minister of Higher Education.

The dinner reception, held at Dewan Astana PUTRA, Universiti Putra Malaysia, provided a meaningful space for engagement among alumni leaders, university representatives and key stakeholders. Also in attendance was YBrs. Encik Fahmi Azar Mistar, Director of the Alumni Relations Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia (ARCUPM), reflecting UPM’s active role in supporting national alumni initiatives.

Overall, the launch of CAKNA 2026 reinforces MALUMNI’s commitment to cultivating a dynamic, values-driven and impactful alumni network. The initiative is envisioned to serve as a catalyst for sustainable alumni engagement that supports talent development and advances the national higher education ecosystem.

Date of Input: 04/02/2026 | Updated: 04/02/2026 | suziana.wil