On 17 March 1998, a significant event was recorded in the history of the Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) through the cheque presentation ceremony by YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali, in her capacity as President of BAKTI. Also present at the ceremony was the ITM Director, YBhg. Datuk Zaidee Laidin, together with members of the institution.
This contribution also reflected a commitment to welfare and educational development efforts, areas closely associated with the community service endeavours of YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali. In addition to her involvement in various community service initiatives, YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah also led BAKTI — the Welfare and Charitable Organisation of the Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers — as President for an extended period. BAKTI is a welfare organisation that brings together the wives of Cabinet members in carrying out various welfare and community activities.
In the context of academic affairs and student welfare, BAKTI has also often been associated with educational support and welfare initiatives, including assistance or scholarships for students, as well as education-related programmes. Therefore, the cheque presentation ceremony on 17 March 1998 became part of the record illustrating the relationship between educational institutions, welfare efforts and community support.
Pada 17 Mac 1998, satu peristiwa bermakna telah dirakam dalam sejarah Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM) menerusi Majlis Penyampaian Cek oleh YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali selaku Yang Dipertua BAKTI. Turut hadir dalam majlis tersebut ialah Pengarah ITM, YBhg. Datuk Zaidee Laidin, bersama warga institusi.
Sumbangan ini turut mencerminkan komitmen terhadap usaha kebajikan dan pembangunan pendidikan, bidang yang sememangnya dekat dengan perjuangan kemasyarakatan YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali. Selain penglibatan beliau dalam pelbagai usaha kemasyarakatan, YBhg. Datin Seri Siti Hasmah juga pernah menerajui BAKTI — Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Tenaga Isteri-Isteri Menteri dan Timbalan Menteri. Beliau juga berkhidmata sebagai Presiden untuk tempoh yang paling lama. BAKTI merupakan sebuah pertubuhan kebajikan yang menghimpunkan isteri-isteri anggota Kabinet dalam melaksanakan pelbagai aktiviti kebajikan dan kemasyarakatan.
Dalam konteks akademik dan kebajikan pelajar, BAKTI pula sering dikaitkan dengan inisiatif sokongan pendidikan dan kebajikan, termasuk bantuan atau biasiswa kepada pelajar serta program-program berkaitan pendidikan. Oleh itu, peristiwa penyampaian cek pada 17 Mac 1998 menjadi sebahagian daripada rekod yang memperlihatkan hubungan antara institusi pendidikan, usaha kebajikan dan sokongan masyarakat.