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Campus Info

Effective synergy between UMP and AKEPT in promoting leadership for a sustainable organisation

VOL. 43 AUG 2019

The Higher Education Leadership Academy (AKEPT) has intensified its engagement programme with all public universities in matters relating to leadership and governance that would support the sustainability of competency-based talent management.

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and the academy jointly organised a programme, ‘Leadership Cafe and Individual Leadership Advancement Plan (ILeAP)’, that focused on personnel profiling and measures taken towards the making of a sustainable organisation.

It was pertinent to identify the right and capable talents to be groomed as future industrial leaders.

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More than 30 participants comprising the university’s top management attended the programme which was held at Ancasa Royale Hotel in Pekan on August 1, 2019.

Among them were AKEPT Director, Professor Dr. Nordin Yahaya, AKEPT’s Centre for Leadership Profiling (CELP) Deputy Director, Associate Professor Dr. Ismie Roha Mohamed Jais, Chairman of UMP Board of Directors, Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ir Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff and Chief Operating Officer/Registrar, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd. Ridzuan Darun.  

According to Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar, only a leader could take the lead towards a positive change.

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“On this, UMP has taken the initiative of having a competency profiling among its staff based on their posts and roles. It is done in a structured and systematic way to ensure that the pool of talent formed are those with leadership qualities, the front-runner at the university level and the national level, he said.

Professor Dr. Nordin said he was pleased with the commitment showed by UMP and UMP Advanced in cooperating with AKEPT to come up with an Executive Diploma programme - Professional Diploma in Competency Based Talent Management (CBTM).

He added that it was a step forward that would further enrich the existing leadership talents in the country’s institutions.

“AKEPT plays a role too in providing reports of candidates to be selected at the ministry level.

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“The report includes leadership score, information on academic achievement, publication, research and responsibility at the international level and partnership as well as networking,” he said.

He said the report would only entitle the candidate for consideration and an interview session would assess the candidate’s suitability for a post.

He also suggested that the university’s top management to attend leadership module that had been put in place and to get information and participate in activity to be carried out since the process was to be conducted systematically.

The programme also focused on the mechanism that had been applied by AKEPT in profiling the education’s leadership and sharing the result, in a move to enhance the individual’s leadership competency.

In the process, it helped the individual to identify his or her strength and make the necessary improvements to improve their leadership competency by participating in development programmes provided by AKEPT.


Academic & International

Everyone’s responsible to uphold dignity of National Language

VOL. 43 AUG 2019

Teachers, lecturers, educators and parents alike will have to play their exemplary roles in upholding the dignity and conception of the Malay Language among the younger generations in the country today.

The prominence of the Malay Language as the country’s National Language is sanctified by Article 152 of the Federal Constitution – ever since the de-colonization of the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957, and the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.

According to the highly regarded Malay Language expert, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah Karim, the language profile of a true Malaysian citizen should include having a good command of the national language, and mastering of the global lingua franca, English; and if possible, acquiring third and fourth other widely-spoken languages.

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Speaking at a scholarly serial talks organized by Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) recently, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah expounded that a national language is the flagship symbol of a nation’s sovereignty and the identity of her citizen, whilst English is the communication instrument with the outside world, as well as the fundamental language to access knowledge and pursuit of life-long education. 

“On that note, aside from taking pride in loving and mastering the national language, as Malaysians, we should also acknowledge the importance of English and master it, while simultaneously upholding the national language as the key to our national unity,” she stressed.   

The existing pluralism of ethnicity, religion and culture has shaped the characteristics of Malaysia population landscape, while at the same time, poses a unique challenge in building national identity and sustainable unity – but fortunately, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah said the drive to promote national language became its means to universally-unparalleled union. 

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“The drive for a national identity has to be ingrained and continuously reinforced throughout childhood – which, ultimately, will create a sense of pride and love for the national language and country,” emphasized the linguist.

“Today, as we move forward into the 21st century, we are faced with the challenges of reinventing a national identity under the New Malaysia era – which is also engulfed in the era of globalization, and science and technology – when the importance of promoting unity and mastering of English is intertwined,” she added. 

During the talk, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Nik Safiah also shared the history of the Malay Language, when inscriptions on stones were discovered as early as 7th century in Sumatera, Indonesia, and 14th century in Kuala Berang, Terengganu.
 
In between the two discoveries, she said, in the 13th century, Islam finally reached the shores of the Malay archipelagos, and thereafter, the Muslim-Malay excellence and cultural centres began to sprout at the capitals of territories under the rule of Samudera Pasai (1280-1400), Melaka (1400-1511), Aceh (1511-1650) and Johor-Riau (1650-1800).

The scholarly serial talks dubbed “Siri Bicara Cendekiawan Mulia UMP” is organized by the Association of Academic Staff (PAKAD), in collaboration with the Office of Vice-Chancellor (PNC).

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Discussing the theme 'Bahasa Melayu dan Pemerkasaan Identiti Nasional dalam Era Malaysia Baharu', or loosely translated as 'The Malay Language and Reinforcement of National Identity under the New Malaysia Era', the scholarly serial talk held at UMP Library on July 12, 2019, was moderated by the Head of Human Sciences Department of the Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences (CMLHS), Associate Professor Dr. Hassan Ahmad.

The second speaker for the day, renowned Malay Language proponent and founder of Yayasan Budi, Tan Sri Dr. Rais Yatim, said aside from fulfilling the tertiary learning objectives set by the Ministry of Education (MoE), local public institutions of higher learning should also shoulder the responsibility of upholding the dignity of the Malay Language, employing it as a daily communication tool and applying the right linguistic terms appropriately.

“In addition, the Malays themselves should take pride in speaking in Malay, and collectively, practice the Malay culture, while promoting its arts and traditions, including traditional attires,” Tan Sri Dr. Rais emphasized. 

“What is practically alarming and worrisome nowadays, we no longer find books, technical manuals and printed materials, which used to be translated into Malay by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka, for the purpose of teaching and learning,” he lamented. 
 
Tan Sri Dr. Rais raised his concerns that the Malay Language is seen lagging behind, in its application and implementation, especially in the world of trade and commerce. 

“In fact, even roads and residential areas are no longer named using the Malay Language,” he bemoaned.
  
Tan Sri Dr. Rais proposed that utilization of the Malay Language in communal interactions should be promoted to be the norm, and that its usage should not be mixed up with other languages.

 “A national identity is strictly linked to the national language, and henceforth, such national identity could never be bought and sold.” 

The 'Siri Bicara Cendekiawan Mulia UMP' talks is a monthly programme showcasing in-depth discourse among authoritative subject matter figures from within the country and from abroad. 

These figures will speak on and dissect the current state of affairs of a particular theme, across all dimensions and from every angle of perspectives, for the benefits of those at UMP, specifically, and the surrounding communities, generally. 

The scholarly serial talks is part and parcel of UMP’s commitments to transform the university into an open court of intellectual discourses, complete with various activities of mature debates as well as sanely discussions.

The July talk was graced by UMP Chairman, Dato’ Sri Ibrahim Ahmad; UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff; and PAKAD President, Mohd. Hairul Ab Rahim. 

It also saw attendance of staff from Centre of Foundation Studies of International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Yayasan Budi, Pahang State corporations of Library and Museum, Pahang Hall of Malay Literature, as well as teachers and educators from the surrounding primary and secondary schools in Pekan. 


Campus Info

Fun Merdeka walk while flying the Jalur Gemilang

VOL. 43 AUG 2019

More than 100 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) staff took part in the Fun Walk: 1,000 Merdeka Steps that was held at UMP Pekan Campus on August 15, 2019.

They started the walk from the Student Activity Centre (PAP) and ended at the Tun Abdul Razak Chancellery Building.

UMP Board Member, Professor Dato’ Dr. Rosli Mohd Yunus flagged off the participants and UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Ir Dr. Wan Azhar Wan Yusoff received them. 

He was also presented with the Jalur Gemilang by the group’s leader, Nur Adam Maximillian from the Centre of Sports and Culture.

Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Kamal Zuhairi Zamli and Centre of Sports and Culture Director, Professor Dato’ Dr. Rosli Abu Bakar.

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The flags of Jalur Gemilang were also distributed to representatives of all departments.
 
It has been a yearly tradition for UMP to celebrate the month of National Independence by organising a healthy lifestyle programme and this year’s programme was the Fun Walk: 1,000 Merdeka Steps.

It was a show of support by the university in promoting healthy lifestyle in campus.

On the walk participated by the staff, Professor Ir. Dr. Wan Azhar said it demonstrated a high level of patriotism among staff and it was something they should be proud of.

“The walk is part of an event planned to celebrate a very special occasion, a manifestation of patriotism towards the country, its prosperity and well-being.

“We hope that with the activities organised, it will help instill and lift up the integrity and identity of Malaysians to a higher level and for them being and staying clean,” he said at the launching of ‘Love My Malaysia Fiesta’ in conjunction with the 2019 National Independence Month celebration held at the university-level.

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Various activities had been planned that blended two important aspects, patriotism and UMP as a centre of knowledge such as short video contest, talks on prominent personalities, exhibition on the Merdeka Day at UMP Library, Aspiration of Merdeka and Love My Malaysia Trip.

The aim was for UMP community and society especially the young generation to understand the meaning and appreciate the value of independence, earnestly and with gratefulness.


Student Activities

128 UMP Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) cadet officers commissioned as second lieutenants

VOL. 43 AUG 2019

By:  DEPUTY COMMANDANT CAPTAIN MOHD AZAM MUHAMAD AKHIR, ACTING UMP PALAPES

A total of 128 Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) Reserve Officers Training Unit (PALAPES) from the army, navy and air force branches were commissioned as Cadet Officers in the Malaysia Armed Forces, with the rank of Second Lieutenants.

They were among the 1,560 cadet officers from 18 public universities who attended the 38th Public University PALAPES Cadet Officer’s Royal Accreditation Ceremony held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on August 3, 2019.

It was graced by His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.

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Also present at the ceremony were Commander (H) Professor Dato’ Ts Dr. Yuserrie  Zainuddin, who is also UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Acting UMP PALAPES Deputy Commandant Captain, Mohd Azam Muhamad Akhir and UMP Dean of Student Development, Dr. Ahmad Johari  Mohamad.

In his speech, Tunku Ismail congratulated the cadet officers who had completed their trainings and were now ready to serve in the three branches of the armed forces and the special reserve force.

He advised them to be better persons who were armed with the experience and training and eventually, becoming leaders who were perceptive in building the nation.

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He emphasised on the aspect of loyalty to the King and country, an effort that would uphold harmony in a multi-racial society.

Tunku Ismail also presented the Sword of Honour to the best cadet officers from each university.

Three UMP cadet officers representing the army, navy and air force branches received the Swords of Honour.

They were Cadet Officer Sergeant Mohd Najmi Hamad Zamri (PALAPES – Army) and Occupational Safety and Health bachelor degree undergraduate, Senior Under Officer Amirul Aiman Johari (PALAPES – Navy) and Occupational Safety and Health bachelor degree undergraduate and Senior Under Officer Norashikin Samsuddin (PALAPES – Air Force) and Computer Science and Networking bachelor degree undergraduate.

Second Lieutenant Mohd Najmi said he was pleased to receive the Sword of Honour and thanked all the officers and trainers who had taught him for three years.

He said he would stay committed and stay active in the Military Reserve Force even if he had a career of his own.
 

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VOL. 43 AUG 2019