Page 184 - VC Message

Leading with Purpose
Messages of the Vice Chancellor KEYNOTED ADDRESSES

28. This divide is also mirrored in education access: in high-income countries, 93% of
people are online, whereas in low-income countries only 27% are online.
29. Social inequalities also play out digitally: women and marginalized groups
often have less access to technology. If unaddressed, these digital divides will
exacerbate economic and social inequalities.
30. Higher education has a pivotal role in bridging this digital divide. Firstly, universities
must work with governments and industry partners to expand connectivity and
technology access for our communities.
31. Secondly, our curricula need to integrate digital skills and literacy across all
disciplines, ensuring graduates are prepared for a world where digital fluency is
essential.
32. Thirdly, universities should continue to drive research and innovation in digital
technologies for social good. We must ask: How can we harness AI, big data, and
connectivity to solve pressing problems in our communities?
33. By focusing on the inclusive potential of technology, higher education can ensure
that the digital revolution benefits not only the privileged few but also the many.
34. Indeed, ASEAN’s future prosperity depends on this: as the World Economic
Forum noted, Southeast Asia’s digital economy could nearly triple to $1 trillion
by 2030, but achieving this requires overcoming gaps in infrastructure, skills, and
regulatory capacity across the region.
35. Our universities must be at the forefront of this effort, raising the quality of higher
education and expanding its reach so that the youth across ASEAN are equipped
to thrive in the digital economy.

176 Ladies and gentlemen,

36. As we navigate geopolitical and digital upheavals, an even more profound
challenge looms: the climate and sustainability crisis. Our region is among the
most at-risk in the world to climate change impacts, from rising sea levels and
extreme weather to losses in agriculture and livelihoods.
37. We have already witnessed devastating floods, heatwaves, and typhoons across
ASEAN member states. Climate experts warn that unabated climate change could
potentially cut ASEAN’s GDP by 11% by the end of the century due to its impacts.
38. Beyond climate change, issues such as energy security, food security, and
sustainable economic development have become pressing concerns.
39. We need greener energy systems, circular economies that minimize waste, and
robust supply chains for essential goods and food that can withstand disruptions.
In short, a sustainable era is not a utopian ideal but a necessity for peace and
stability.
40. What is the role of universities in this sustainable era? I would argue it is absolutely
central. Universities are uniquely positioned to generate the knowledge, innovation,
and talent needed to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges.
41. Our laboratories and research centres should be buzzing with work on renewable
energy technology, climate science, biodiversity conservation, sustainable
agriculture, and low-carbon materials, among other topics.
42. One example at University of Malaya is the “Living Labs” initiative, where our
researchers and students test sustainability solutions on campus – from green
building designs to zero-waste campaigns – before scaling them up.
43. Moreover, universities must lead by example through our own operations and
policies. I’m proud to share that University of Malaya’s commitment to sustainability
is deeply embedded in our current ongoing strategies now and also in our long-
term plans. We have a UM Master Plan 2050 that places decarbonization and
green policies at the core of our campus development.