ALOR SETAR: Acquiring knowledge for the practical benefits of an academic career should be accompanied by commitment and intention to have a deep love for learning, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In this way, the Prime Minister said, those pursuing knowledge would be able to effectively prepare for real-world challenges.
"Ali Ibn Abi Talib (the fourth caliph in Islam) used the phrase 'love for scholarship'. You (can) assimilate knowledge, yes, (but you must also have a) love for scholarship.
"For what? The answer is for your welfare and profession... to equip yourself to face the real world.
"The real world is not here. It is outside, with all its challenges and difficulties," he said in his speech at a meet-and-greet session at Albukhary International University here on Thursday (Feb 27).
Anwar said that is why students need to be clear in their vision for cultivating knowledge, be it for research, studies, or business.
He said not all information is knowledge, and students must learn to distinguish between what is good and what is bad.
"You need to know adab (respect), akhlaq (ethics) and... good values," he added.
He said understanding the importance of knowledge will help students effect change in society, not only within the country but also in the international community.
Also present were Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Albukhary International University Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Saleh Jaafar.
