Social framework vital for varsity grads
GRADUATES of higher learning institutions, who will serve as torchbearers for the country’s civilisation, must be educated with the social framework that was agreed upon by all races during the formation of Malaysia.
Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said the social framework included the position of Islam, the rights of Malays and the position of Malay rulers.
“This social framework forms the basis of unity and understanding among the people, which leads to a country’s development and an exceptional civilisation,” he said in his address at Universiti Malaysia Pahang’s (UMP) 13th convocation here yesterday.
Present were UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Daing Nasir and board of directors chairman Datuk Seri Ibrahim Ahmad.
Tengku Abdullah, who is UMP chancellor, presented an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering (Electronics) to former Motorola Solutions Sdn Bhd managing director Dr Hari Narayanan P. Ondiveeran.
Tengku Abdullah said to date, UMP had produced 22,427 graduates.
He said the university had to formulate an action plan to ensure that its alumni, some of whom hold senior positions in the government and private sector, could contribute to the university.
“It is a golden and significant opportunity for the university’s strategic and professional network. It is not only important in the context of branding, but also in terms of the graduates’ progress, research expansion and development of the ‘wakaf’ ecosystem and endowment at UMP.
“I urge the UMP leadership to focus on the ‘Industry Network Alumni Platform’ (INAP) initiative as a medium for strategic interaction between the alumni, university and other students. I am certain that this effort will encourage the alumni to contribute to the university that first sowed the seeds of their success.”
Tengku Abdullah said he wanted UMP to focus on streamlining its strategic direction with the Federal Government and Education Ministry’s new policies, including prioritising transparent and integritybased governance, as well as accountability and exemplary work ethics.
“The Education Ministry’s aspiration to create an education system based on a culture of joy, affection, humanity and respect is timely. Nevertheless, building a new Malaysia is not based only on the idea of effecting change, but must also come with preparing a line of leadership at all levels to achieve the change.
“This is where higher learning institutions play a role in shaping the younger generation into becoming future leaders. Students need to be taught to have knowledge, economic strength, religious strength and possess humanitarian values.”
Daing Nasir said UMP generated its own income, amounting to RM3.6 million up to last month, by undertaking consultancy and technical service projects from outside parties.
This, he said, proved that the university’s capabilities and expertise gained the attention of outsiders.
He said the university, with the cooperation of its subsidiary, UMP Holdings Sdn Bhd, secured a RM1.03 million consultancy project to develop a campus management system at the DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia.
He said the UMP 2016-2050 Strategic Plan, which outlines five sectors, had begun to produce results, having received an active research grant worth RM69 million, with 70 per cent, or RM48 million, from external funding, including local and overseas public agencies and private companies.
“This year, UMP saw an increase of 180 per cent in government agency grants, amounting to RM8.69 million, compared with RM3.1 million last year through 102 projects. Major research was recorded at 90 per cent compared with the national average of 65 per cent.”