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DMNC April 2013

Assalamualaikum warah matullah, greetings,salam One Malaysia, UniMAP in our heart 

Alhamdulillah, we have recently been informed of the dissolution of Parliament to make way for the preparations for the 13th general election (GE-13).

Therefore, I would like to allocate the entire DMNC this time to convey my intention regarding the preparation that all UniMAP citizens should do to face the general election.

As I mentioned in this column before, more recently, the university seems to be a field of partisan politics which has never happened in our country. Especially when a fuss about gathering 'Bersih' then, showing news highlights for contentious disputes have been triggered by a variety of media, particularly the print and electronic media.

Now, with the forthcoming general election, I call upon every UniMAP citizen to ensure that no amount of political activity conducted in our campus. I have already set up several teams who work closely in obeserving the activities taking place in the university area. If I find some of unhealthy elements going on here, then I will not hesitate to take appropriate action. As mentioned in the Act, civil servants are not allowed to do political activities. However, the flexibility were given to students, but it is only allowed OUTSIDE the campus.

Should I remind that our job is very serious. Be it staff or students, we are the people who inhabit the world of education, where we fought desperately searching for the truth through knowledge. With the knowledge gained, we are responsible to use it to build a better future for the nation, country,and home land.

While at a young age, I went through a period in which the peace that we have right now is not there. During the May 13, I have seen with my own eyes how bloodshed happened , that had sacrifice so many innocent lives. Some victims of May 13 was comprised of members of my family and friends. After finding out how difficult it was living in desperation and fear as at that time, I was determined to do everything I can to ensure a similar incident does not happen again.

Unfortunately many young people today do not know and do not understand the value of peaceful environment we achieved . They are not grateful. Instead, guided by emotion, they were swayed by suggestions of the stakeholders served. They do not realize that they actually ridden by people who are irresponsible, with an intention to create chaos in this blessed land.

I urge all UniMAP citizens to think maturely, as how the scholars think, before making a decision in favor of those who are not trustworthy.

It is appropriate to remind that the vision and mission of higher education institutions is to produce human capital that contributes to the development of the country. From there on, student must focus on education and staff provides the best ambiance to develop the students intellectual mind. Partisan politics can wait a few more years. As long as in the university, students’ task is to learn. Should be in politics, education would be abandoned, and the ideals for graduation most likely need to be removed so easily. Look at the politics of their academic performance - on average they have lower grades, which suggests that political activities are doing such a distraction to learning.

The goal of the university set up must be maintained, which is to produce graduates with higher order thinking skills, acting based on facts and have high personal values. Action will be taken against students or staff who pollute your mind and try to drag university’s name to the brink of abject. This is because the university’s task is very heavy- in nation building through the creation of intellectual capital. Therefore, we do not have time to entertain dirty politics masterminded by the irresponsible parties.

Malaysia’s future is in our hands, where we will cast our votes will determine whether the country remains peaceful as it is now, or fall into the trap of chaos. When chaos happened, it will be too difficult to get out of such shackles.

Use a sensible and mature mind when assessing the promises voiced. If we promised things that we ourselves feel unreasonable, it is likely that it is unreasonable and, if it is still be implemented, will bring the country into a crisis atmosphere. When that happened, we have to 'beg' from the rich countries, particularly in the West, which is loaded with the necessary conditions to be obeyed before they (the rich countries) help us. Is that the future we want for our grandchildren?

Use rational and intellectual mind in reaching a responsible conclusion.

Together we serve our country.

  • Written by Mohd Afif Md Jamel Khir
  • Category: DMNC - English

DMNC August 2014

HAPPY 57th INDEPENDENCE DAY

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Salam Ilmu, Keikhlasan, Kecemerlangan UniMAP.
Alhamdulillah, all praise to the Almighty because we are still given the opportunity to meet in the September edition of From the Vice Chancellor's Desk column. Although we are already in the month of September, the spirit of independence is still felt. It is still not too late for me to wish everyone Happy 57th Independence Day, with the theme for this year, “Malaysia, Di Sini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta”, taken from the lyrics of the song "Warisan", sung by Sudirman Haji Arshad.

For me, Malaysia is the place where love blossoms. Love for the country creates spiritual relationships among us. Regardless of race, religion and skin color, although not knowing each other - in the name of Malaysia, we are united and willing to risk our lives to ensure the well-being of this country, named Malaysia. The existence of this particular love enables us to live in peace and prosperity. Alhamdulillah. Hopefully with this 57th Independence Celebration, Malaysians are more mature in understanding and being tolerant to one another, thus maintaining peace for generations to come.

At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new intake of Degree students for the Academic Calendar of 2014/2015 that have registered on the 1st of September 2014. The top management of UniMAP and I are very glad to accept all of you here.. Once registered at UniMAP, you are all a part of the University's large family. Pursuing your studies in a university is actually not an easy mission. Your parents are placing high hopes that this can be a point where you will embrace change, and shape glorious future in contributing to the development of not only to yourself, but to your family, race, religion and country.

I hope that you will take full advantage of all the opportunities given and use all the facilities provided by the University to the fullest. Focus on your study and fulfill the high hopes of your parents and country..

To all UniMAP educators, I want to stress that we need to embed sincerity in carrying our duties and responsibilities. Initiate everything with the right intention. Indeed, our task is a responsibility entrusted by Allah SWT. Hopefully what we have performed will be blessed by Him.
Until we meet again, Wabillahittaufiq Walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Wabarakatuh.

  • Written by Kogilaranne Muthusamy
  • Category: DMNC - English

DMNC December 2015

From the Vice Chancellor's Desk
December 2015


Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and Salam Sehati Sejiwa

Salam Ilmu, Keikhlasan, Kecemerlangan UniMAP


Alhamdulillah, I am thankful to Allah Azza Wajalla for his grace in allowing me a moment to write an article for the final month of 2015. I am thankful that our beloved UniMAP has become more mature and more renowned for its successes worldwide. The highest congratulations I give to the entire UniMAP community, thanks for your hard work all these years. Only Allah Azza Wajalla will be able to repay your deeds.


Alhamdulillah after 14 years since our inception, UniMAP is now among the top 524 universities in the world from the assessment of QS World University Rankings by Faculty Area. We can take pride in our rankings in focused fields as UniMAP is ranked 473rd in the world in Chemical Engineering, 474th in the world in Engineering, Mechanical & Aeronautics and 515th in the world in Electrical and Electronics.


Meanwhile in the QS Asian University Rankings which assesses institutes of higher education in Asia based on several assessment criteria which covers employer feedback, teaching-learning, research and internationalization, UniMAP is at 226th position and the 10th best university in Malaysia. In the QS World University Rankings, UniMAP is between the 750th to the 780th position and in 2020 we have targeted UniMAP's position to be among the top 500 universities in the world. May UniMAP's road ahead for the coming years be filled with ease. Insya ALLAH.


Before ending this article, I would like to wish Good Luck to UniMAP researchers who will be participating at the 2015 International Conference and Exposition on Inventions of Institutions of Higher Learning (PECIPTA) which will take place from 4 to 6 December at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. I hope that we will be able to retain the title which we had previously won. I think that is enough words from me for now, and may what has been conveyed here be guidance for us all.

That's all from me, Wabillahittaufiq Walhidayah,Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.


  • Written by Mohd Afif Md Jamel Khir
  • Category: DMNC - English

DMNC August 2015

 

DMNC August 2015

 

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

Alhamdulillah and our gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the opportunity to able to address you once more in the August edition of From The Vice Chancellor's Desk column.

This issue, I would like to share some thoughts on the prudent and ethical use of social media. Personally I am saddened by the misuse of social websites in the community which today is at a worrying state.

I am certain all of you are aware by viewing, reading and hearing of the harsh critiques and comments made by a small number of the populace on national issues.

Some websites were created for the purpose of blind accusations, ridicules, lambastes and insults without checking the sources on the matter. Everyone employs Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram and Twitter to express dissatisfaction to other parties without thinking of the effects of such acts.

I feel that the existence of this group burgeoned from a group of individuals who are dissatisfied and ungrateful with what they have enjoyed all this while. For them any measures taken by the government or government agency is wrong. Even more disappointing is when they place full blame squarely on the government for any unfortunate incidents.

I would like to call for everyone to think for a minute on whether the accusations on social media are true. Are they backed by facts, proof and clear justifications? Is it fair for us to point fingers blaming the government while the society has also clearly contributed to the issue.

Logically, what could the benefits be from such acts? Accusing only the government of wrongdoings? It is undeniable that in every organisation there are administrative weaknesses, but please do comment on them with prudence so the parties involved would be able to eliminate their weaknesses and increase the quality of their service.

I am mystified by how easily and swiftly we make assumptions before we investigate in detail what really happened. This culture of finger-pointing and blaming others, as well as making conclusions based on hearsay and social media rumour is unhealthy, unethical and unprofessional.

This clearly displays the lack of knowledge and wisdom of the individuals involved. It also reveals as if these parties have a hidden agenda to continue pummelling and dismantle the government's good image. This is because these groups and individuals take immediate advantage of an issue or a tragedy, making conclusions and assumptions while wrongfully accusing the government.

If we are to be sincere in helping, we should cooperate together with the government to weather conflicts and calamities. What harm is there for us to comment and critique tactfully, sincerely and maturely.

Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Taala Wabarakatuh.

DMNC February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh dan Salam Satu Malaysia

Salam Ilmu, Keikhlasan, Kecemerlangan UniMAP

Alhamdulillah, I am grateful to the almighty Allah S.W.T that with His consent, we have entered the month of February. Time flies quickly and on the 10th of this month I will be 60 years of age. I have been with UniMAP for 13 years. Although I have reached mandatory retirement, I am thankful to have been entrusted by the Ministry of Education Malaysia to lead UniMAP for another year.

I have had so many memories with the UniMAP community being the Vice Chancellor here. I would like to greatly thank all of the UniMAP community that have been by my side working hard night and day without weariness to uplift the name of our beloved University. InsyaAllah in the period of a year which I am given, I will strive to ensure all the planning that we made will be achieved.

Recently, our heads of department and I travelled to Universiti Ubudiyah, Aceh to run the UniMAP strategic planning workshop for the coming years. This workshop is part of a series of discussions that was held in the last several months whereby new goals are identified to act as our guide for this year as well as the upcoming years. Besides this, the workshop provided a chance for UniMAP's heads of department to interact with Ubudiyah lecturers to identify collaboration opportunities to be explored as well as to behold the fortitude of our brothers and sisters who have been hard at work to rebuild their lives after stricken by the earthquake and tsunami disaster a decade ago. I am certain a lot of lessons have been learnt here as a result of our meeting. I hope the lessons would be benefited by all participants.

Before ending my scribblings, I would like to wish the Chinese members of our UniMAP community a Happy Chinese New Year. I would like to advise that in our excitement in celebrating this Chinese New Year, do not forget about safety while being on the road. Remember that loved ones are waiting for us at home.

May the Year of the Goat Give Us All a Thousand Meanings

"Gong Xi Fa Cai "

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Wassalammualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.