Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
Making UKM a role model for unity
Community involvement is an important component of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s vision, writes Mohd Noor Aswad.
When news that Johor was hit by devastating floods two years ago, the majority of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) students were on a semester break. But those who were on campus decided to help the flood victims.
Vice chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hassan immediately offered her support. So impressed was she with her students’ initiative, she wrote a glowing article in the New Sunday Times (Jan 21, 2007) praising them.
To say that she takes an interest in social causes is an understatement. Sharifah Hapsah lives and breathes community service – the vice chancellor has chalked up more than 20 years of experience in various social organizations.
She is president of the National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO); executive board member of the Asean Confederation of Women’s Organizations (ACWO) since 1998; and founding deputy president of the Malaysian AIDS Council, among others. She is currently involved in the Citizens Against Crime movement.
She believes that including social responsibility in students will have a far-reaching benefit, not merely for them but, more importantly, for the nation as they can play an active role to help the community they live in.
She believes that including social responsibility in students will have a far-reaching benefit, not merely for them but, more importantly, for the nation as they can play an active role to help the community they live in. Small wonder that in her recent inaugural lecture entitled UKM Towards A Superior Research University, community involvement was an important component of her vision for the university.
UKM was awarded research university status in 2006. The decision was part of a wider strategy under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010) to accelerate the formation of a knowledge-based economy to prepare Malaysia to face global challenges.
Sharifah Hapsah outlines six niches in the fields of research that UKM must excel at. They are national identity, integration and multiculturalism; regional sustainable development; renewable energy; medical health technology; climate change as well as nano technology and advance material.
“The formation of these niches is to enable us to focus better. I also want to improve the delivery and innovation systems so that all goals can be achieved.” She believes this development will have a positive effect on the community.
"Being involved in community work is a life-changing experience and it is a valuable lesson"
Students can learn a lot through their involvement in community services, she says. “The community is the best classroom for students. They can learn about good values, respect for other cultures, poverty, leadership and being socially-conscious citizens. Being involved in community work is a life-changing experience and it is a valuable lesson.”
The focus on ethnic unity and integrity is important for Malaysia’s future. “UKM has students from different ethnic groups and religions and they work, study and live together in peace. We make sure everyone can live together here despite their differences. We are the models for Malaysia!”
Her strong belief in fostering ethnic unity has been inculcated in her since she was young. Her late father Datuk Syed Hassan Syed Zan Shahabudin, who was much respected in Kedah, had many friends from all ethnic groups. Even during the May 13 riot in 1969, Syed Hassan made sure that food supplies were sent to his Chinese neighbours.
“During May 13, I saw the fragility of interethnic relations but I also saw women of all ethnicities working side by side collecting food to be sent to the areas where supplies were cut off"
“During May 13, I saw the fragility of interethnic relations but I also saw women of all ethnicities working side by side collecting food to be sent to the areas where supplies were cut off. I boarded army trucks to send supplies to these places. This experience convinced me that social services are the best method to foster understanding, spirit of brotherhood and national identity.”
