Page 160 - VC Message

Leading with Purpose
Messages of the Vice Chancellor OP ED & RENCANA MEDIA

and recognise our own youths and our ecosystem, with the final aim of ensuring goal is a Malaysia that has a highly
future generations. that our country and our people continue skilled workforce, with a widened pool of
to be the first to benefit, to spearhead our thought leaders who can drive progress
The appeals process and multiple
application choices exist to ensure no aspirations to be a strong, respected and at home, and also a Malaysia that is a
respected hub of knowledge, attracting
powerful country in the new wave of global
talent falls through the cracks.
uncertainties, and to fulfil the national talent from everywhere. These two goals
The past and current systems of intake agenda of being a high income nation are not necessarily contradictory, they are
and admissions at the national level have driven by high skilled and well-developed complementary.
been pillared on the basis of meritocracy human capital and expertise. A country that develops and supports
and structured channels for subsequent
appeals and considerations for the So, I assure that we will look into all its people well will naturally become a
placements at universities and the right cases where if Malaysian students magnet for others to come to learn and
work and contribute and conversely, being
qualify and meet the criteria for all of our
courses and fields being sought after.
courses, we will look into the appeals open to global talent can accelerate the
Moving forward, efforts can be made to and the applications with fairness and development of our own people.
refine the system to reflect a more holistic understanding, that is the least that we The new generation of students
and a balanced system. Most importantly, can do as the nation’s foremost flagbearer understands this symbiosis better, growing
it is a recognition that exam results alone of excellence, and will continue to honour
should not be the sole and defining criteria our mandate and national duty. up in a connected world. Our universities
must and will always reflect the same
to define a student’s fate, especially when
so many achievers are competing. ethos, inclusive and globally minded, yet
fair and loyal to local aspirations, with
Many programmes already require The way forward: globally ranked, local talents being prioritised.
nationally grounded
interviews or aptitude tests relevant While we and our peers are walking
and needed for the particular course The world of higher education is rapidly
and such measures could be expanded evolving, and Malaysia, like any other a tightrope in striving for international
stature and quality, this will not be at the
so that passion, creativity, character, emerging nation keen to be ahead in the
socio-economic conditions, competency ladder of innovation and advancement, cost of our local students’ dreams, and
and other attributes are considered must not only adapt, but be agile and will strive that no talented Malaysian youth
will feel left out, while at the same time, the
alongside exam scores, ensuring a more resilient to stay ahead.
well-rounded intake, but a fair, just and We are now educating Gen Z and soon energy of a global melting pot will be felt.
impartial system must also be the main Gen Alpha, cohorts of digital-native, That is the vision of a truly aspiring
ground in all of these processes, as have globally aware youth who have big university: one that transforms its nation
152 been implemented. aspirations. They compete fiercely for top and contributes to the world, all in the
Meritocracy remains crucial and remains grades and recognition but they also seek same breath.
the basis of the intake, but a more holistic creativity, meaning, and impact in their We will continue to ensure that all local
meritocracy can help differentiate the education and efforts. students who have worked hard to fulfil
sea of straight-A candidates and place University of Malaya, as the nation’s their dreams be recognised for their
students in fields suited to their strengths. passion and zeal. We in UM also are
flagship, is poised and well harnessed to
Most importantly, once students enter lead this change. It has a dual equally pivotal working hard in sharing the same ideals
university, the support system for local role: creator of national advancement of sacrificing for the nation and leading
the country and the people with our
talent will endure. through producing homegrown leaders,
and standard-bearer of global excellence knowledge and courage, and with pride of
Local public universities, including UM, through research and academic impact national duty and honour.
have been ramping up mentorship
programmes, entrepreneurial incubators, with global collaborations and presence. -- BERNAMA
leadership workshops, and industry Can UM continue to climb the global
and international linkages and platforms rankings with enlarged global recognition, Prof Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu
to nurture students’ potential beyond while never forgetting the local Form Six Osman is the Vice Chancellor of Universiti
academics alone. students or Matriculation students who Malaya.
burn the midnight oil for a shot at UM? The
This holistic development mandate (The views expressed in this article are
remains the common shared agenda answer must be yes. those of the author(s) and do not reflect
across all public universities, not just It is a challenging balance, undoubtedly the official policy or position of BERNAMA)
UM, and as part of a national agenda as there will always be challenges in
to build high-quality human capital for allocating finite seats and resources, and
now and the future, and to empower the a spirited public discourse and continuous
nation where skilled talents are nurtured national supportive policy that is future
and developed locally without losing our driven and forward-looking are needed
people to overseas’ lure. to keep the system honest, resilient and
agile.
We in UM do recognise the rooms for
further enhancement and constant It is also pertinent to realise that other
improvements in areas related to the countries face similar dilemma and
placement, recognition and support for challenges. The University of California
our local talents, to reflect the growing system demonstrated that we can have
and changing indicators of future firm protections for local students and still
development and needs, and we welcome reap the benefits of international diversity.
any constructive and forward-looking Our focus on the bigger picture of nation-
insights and ideas to further enhance the
building has never dimmed. The ultimate