The Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Alumni could not only contribute funds to the university but also use their skills and influence to strengthen the university into a great and renowned tertiary institution, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

If the Harvard University in the United States could create a RM32 billion endowment, UiTM which has about 500,000 alumni, should be able to collect RM50 million with a monthly contribution of RM10 each to help more students pursue higher education.

He was speaking at the 2012 UiTM 'Kasih' Symphony Night here tonight, attended by 1,200 alumni.

Also present were the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar.

Najib said even though he was not a former student of the university, as the son of the institution's founder, he definitely wished to see the full realisation of the vision of his late father, the former second Prime Minister of the country, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.

"I see UiTM greatly benefiting the community as it gives every level of the society an opportunity to pursue higher education," he said.

Najib launched the UiTM Alumni Contribution, and Donation(Endowment) Funds.

He also presented the 2011 Tokoh Alumni UiTM to Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Zukri Samat.

The 2012 'Kasih' Symphony Night was organised by UiTM Budiman Foundation in collaboration with the university's Industry Network, Community and Alumni Office, aimed at collecting funds for the under privileged students and the special 'Mengubah Destini Anak Bangsa' project.

A total of RM1.5 million was collected tonight.