KUALA LUMPUR: Tertiary institutions should not be “certificate factories” but must ensure students they produce are imbued with values, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“While tertiary institutions strive to be industry drivers in digital areas and artificial intelligence, this should not dilute our interest in educating human beings with values and morality.
“As we reach for the skies, we should not leave the tracks of culture, ethics and values as this is what makes us unique.
“There is no zero sum game in choosing high technology but devoid of ethics and concerns of humanity,” he said when launching UCSI University’s campus expansion.
Anwar raised the need for tertiary institutions to confront racist and religious bigotry, adding that universities are the best places to mould the young to assimilate justice and humanity.
He noted that Malaysia has now become one of the main destinations for international students, with about 160,000 foreign students studying at public and private universities.
This figure is among the highest in Asean and reflects global confidence in the country’s education system, he said.
Anwar also commended UCSI for emerging as a premier institution in the country.
Meanwhile, UCSI founder and university council chairman Datuk Peter Ng said the university has come far in its 40 years.
“The beginning was not easy and the journey has been long. Through the efforts and dedication of our students and staff, we have continued to grow to where we are today,” he said.
Ng said the campus expansion was not merely a physical development, but an investment for the future, laying a strong foundation for the next 40 years.
UCSI Chancellor Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz said the university holds much promise to put talented Malaysians on the global stage.
“It is only 40 years old but already the 26th best university in the world for music according to the latest QS rankings.
“I have enjoyed playing piano in our auditorium, which has produced musicians such as megastar Aina Abdul, violinist Dr Joanne Yeoh, producer Dennis Lau, jazz pianist Ganesh Bala and World Harmonica champions Aiden Soon and Evelyn Choong.
“As excited as we are for new infrastructure, we must always be mindful that it aligns with our more important mission, to imbue students with moral values and ethical behaviour,” he said.
