RAJA OF PERLIS: UNIVERSITIES MUST NURTURE THINKING, BUILD CHARACTER

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Universities are not merely places to acquire knowledge but ecosystems that nurture thinking, build character and develop individuals balanced in both emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Chancellor, Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalulail, urged all parties to preserve this tradition of excellence so that universities remain respected centres of learning, nationally and internationally.

He said universities also serve as platforms for knowledge and ethics, shaping critical thinking and guiding students with values of humanity and responsibility.

“In facing economic pressures, social changes and increasingly complex global challenges, society expects expertise and wisdom from the educated. Graduates must step forward as universal thinkers and contributors of value, ensuring the knowledge they possess benefits society,” he said.

“Success is not the end point but the beginning. The knowledge and expertise gained must be guided by compassion, diligence, and a commitment to serving society,” he added.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin made the remarks while officiating the first session of USM’s 63rd Convocation at Dewan Tunku Syed Putra here today. Also present was Raja Perempuan of Perlis Tuanku Tengku Fauziah Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid.

During the ceremony, the USM Chancellor conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Urban and Regional Planning on Petronas Property Adviser Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

He congratulated Maimunah, highlighting her significant contributions to urban planning and national development and her exceptional achievements internationally.

“She is a global figure in urban planning, the first Asian woman to lead the United Nations (UN) Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), a former UN assistant secretary-general and now an advisor on sustainable urbanisation, climate action and women’s leadership,” he said.

The convocation, which runs from Nov 26 to Dec 2, will see 9,347 graduates receiving degrees, including 865 PhD recipients, 3,501 Master’s graduates, 4,934 Bachelor’s degree holders and 47 Diploma in Nursing graduates.

-- BERNAMA