Graduates have a big role in nation-building
GRADUATES shouldn’t allow the differences in educational background, where they study or earn their degrees, create disharmony which could deter them from contributing towards the development of the nation in a united manner.
Instead, the variety of views and ideas from graduates who are “the architects of Malaysia’s new era” should be viewed objectively as it is of great value in transforming the country into an advanced high-income nation.
This was the message conveyed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his opening speech at the 2017 National Undergraduates Leadership Conference (Pemanas) which was held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur recently.
“Students who study locally are also of high quality like those studying abroad albeit both have different types of exposure. But these should not lead to labelling nor compartmentalising of students. Rather, the experience and knowledge acquired should be integrated to create a stronger voice for youths with regard to nation building,” he said.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Higher Education through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) has ensured that the education in the country remains relevant and of high quality to the point that it is fast regarded as a regional, if not an international education hub.
He pointed out that the government has kept at pace with the progress in education through the years, starting from the Razak Report in 1956 and the Rahman Talib Report in 1960 and now with the current education blueprint. “This shows the government’s sincerity to ensure the quality of education is intact leading to 2050,” he said.
“We want youths who are assets to the country. From ‘Pemanas’, we hope to see presentations and proposals for nation building, growth and development from the eyes of youths who will hold the reins of the country in 2050. AHMAD ZAHID HAMIDI Deputy Prime Minister