Nurulhidayah was quoted by Sinar Harian as saying that she aims to focus on assisting financially underprivileged students who are eligible to pursue higher education.

“Alhamdulillah, it truly feels like a homecoming. I am an alumnus of UPM, class of 2002.

“After 24 years, I have returned to my alma mater, UPM, to serve,” said Nurulhidayah, who is also a Wanita Umno exco member.

Nurulhidayah, who holds a master’s in communications, previously hinted at the appointment on Instagram, using a Malay proverb to indicate a return to her roots or a homecoming of sorts.

An image of a purported letter of appointment had also made the rounds online, stating that Nurulhidayah had been made a member of UPM’s board of directors for three years until Jan 1, 2028.

The letter, marked confidential, bore the signature of higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir.