Page 89 - VC Message

Home of the Bright. Land of the Brave

Di Sini Bermulanya Pintar, Tanah Tumpahnya Berani

spaces of honest inquiry, intellectual inclusivity, and moral courage, or, in light of
changing perceptions on threats, to adjust and to progress in accordance to the
fast shift of parameters.
19. Academic institutions must remain independent, principled, and committed to
global learning for all, regardless of creed, religion, or nationality, ever more so in
the face of adversity and pressure to break.
20. The right of institutions to welcome and embrace diverse viewpoints, to protect
vulnerable communities, and to uphold the sanctity and integrity of their
scholarship without fear or interference, is fundamental.
21. UM believes this principle is non-negotiable and must be defended. The future of
universities lies in our ability to remain open to all, to be inclusive, to draw from the
widest pool of ideas and to cultivate the right of humanity to learn and to progress,
especially facing a world that is now increasingly complex and challenging.
22. A university that is afraid to be inclusive, afraid to be intellectually honest, or
being pushed for stances that deviate from universally accepted basis of strength
and honour, will not be able to fulfil its own self imposed values based metric of
honour and justified obligations.
23. And just as no single nation can sustain global economic progress alone, no single
institution or country can solve the world’s academic and scientific challenges in
isolation.
24. Whether it is tackling climate change and global conflicts, or managing the effects
of artificial intelligence, or navigating public health crises, these are platforms that
demand the best minds and talents from every corner of the globe.
25. That will mean highly appreciating the contributions of all, regardless of creed,
colour, or citizenship. 81
26. At Universiti Malaya, we are clear about these principles and we welcome scholars
and students from around the world, and we see diversity as a strength, not a
threat. We will never allow politics to determine who gets to learn, who gets to
teach, or what truths are allowed to be pursued.
27. The courage to disrupt unjust systems is precisely what makes transformation
possible, and all the more needed in today’s settings.
28. Looking forward, the journey looks tough but will demand greater cohesion and
sense of synergised belief among the practitioners of higher education for the
stakes remain as high as ever.
29. We should and must remain hopeful and committed, and it needs to be understood
that the world is not short of young, bold, and visionary minds ready to lead
change.
30. What they now need are institutions that serve to protect and empower humanity
and the world, and to provide a safe sanctuary for talents and the new and the
current generations to further amplify their potential and to contribute to the next
generations and the world at large.
31. The university of the future must be fearless, connected, and committed to serving
humanity, and not beholden to ever changing political winds.
32. At UM, we believe the future belongs to institutions that are globally engaged but
locally rooted with national values and homegrown conviction of local principles,
and a future where it is technologically advanced but morally grounded.
33. We believe this future must be co-created by the common beliefs and conviction
by all, with the opportunities and expertise from local capacities and talents to
global talents, by tapping into the best ideas from Boston to Buenos Aires, from
Nairobi to Nagoya, and from Kosice to Kuala Lumpur.