UKECommunity: Ramadan in Spring 2025

The United Kingdom and Eire Council for Malaysian Students (UKEC) is the umbrella body of Malaysian Students Societies in the universities across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. With over 79 Malaysian Societies as its constituent members, UKEC serves as an integral platform representing the collective interests of over 16,000 Malaysian students in the UK and Ireland.

UKEC's first project in 2023, UKECommunity: Ramadan in Spring, is returning this year to bring together Malaysian students and diasporas in the UK and Ireland to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative focuses on distributing food care packages and hosting community iftars to support students in need.

Food packages, known as ‘Rice & Shine,’ will be distributed to students on a needs basis, containing essentials such as rice, eggs, oil, and sauces. Following the distribution, we will also host community iftars, bringing Malaysians together to share a meal and foster a sense of home. Malaysians from all walks of life are welcome to join and enjoy a variety of Malaysian dishes. In the spirit of generosity and togetherness, we aim to strengthen our community bonds during the holy month of Ramadan. This reflects the cherished Malaysian tradition of exchanging and sharing food with neighbours and friends, just as we do back home.

The rationale behind this programme is the rising cost of living in the UK where tube fares and energy bills are soaring and goods in markets are being rationed. The situation has affected many students, especially those studying in areas with high costs of living where more than half of their allowances are being allocated to pay rent. With UKECommunity: Ramadan in Spring, we hope to ease the burden of affected students in the UK and Eire.

As a non-profit, we rely on the generosity of donors to help us continue our work and make a positive impact in our community.

For any concerns or questions, please direct them to Amirah Mardhiah Abu Bakar, UKEC Vice-Chairperson of UKECares Office 2024/2025.

*UKEC's Treasury office has authorised Ilham Najib, UKEC's National Treasurer to withdraw the donations upon the campaign's conclusion.