Page 185 - VC Message

Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

44. UM has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line
with Malaysia’s national target, pursuing energy efficiency, green energy adoption,
and carbon offset projects to eliminate our carbon footprint.
45. Crucially, universities also shape the human capital needed for a sustainable
future. The challenges of geopolitical strife, digital inequity, and climate change
underscore a profound truth: the role of universities in society is expanding.
46. In the past, universities were often seen primarily as centres for educating students
and conducting basic research and leaving their application to others.
47. That model is no longer sufficient. Today, society needs universities to step up as
active problem-solvers and leaders at the local, national, and global levels.
48. This means our mission now extends far beyond the lecture hall and the lab.
It reaches into boardrooms, parliamentary chambers, community meeting halls,
and the very heart of the grassroots.
49. Knowledge diplomacy and science advice should be integral to governance. At
the same time, universities must not operate only in ivory towers or elite circles;
we have a responsibility to engage directly with the communities at the grassroots.
The problems we seek to solve – be it poverty alleviation, public health, or climate
adaptation – often have deeply local dimensions.
50. In essence, the modern university must be as much an actor as an enabler.
We convene conferences and publish papers, yes – but we also strive to turn
knowledge into action.
51. Our success as institutions will increasingly be measured not only by academic
output, but by our impact on societal outcomes: are we helping to reduce
inequality? improve public discourse? enhance disaster preparedness?
52. The world’s expectations of higher education are rising, and rightly so. This 177
expanded role will require us to break down silos between academia and the
outside world.

Respected delegates in the hall and beyond,

53. As we expand our roles and navigate new challenges, we must not lose sight of
the core purpose of education. At its heart, higher education is a deeply human
endeavour – it is about nurturing human potential and uplifting humanity.
54. In charting the future of universities, we must therefore embrace a holistic,
humanistic approach rooted in conscience, values, and ethics. Technological
know-how or policy influence alone cannot guarantee a better future; we need
wisdom, compassion, and moral courage to guide how that knowledge is used.
55. In this era of rapid change, universities should serve as ethical compasses,
instilling in students and society the values that bind us together: integrity,
empathy, respect for diversity, and a commitment to justice and the public good.
56. Humanistic values must be interwoven into the curriculum and campus life. Many
universities are already moving in this direction, emphasizing liberal arts and
ethics training alongside technical skills – producing what some call “T-shaped”
graduates in understanding human contexts.
57. But a humanistic approach goes beyond the classroom. It’s in the culture of the
university – how we encourage open dialogue, how we support diversity and
inclusion on campus, how we reward community service and kindness.
58. Universities should be model communities of conscience, where decisions
– whether by administrators or student leaders – are guided by principles of
fairness, transparency, and care for others.