Regent Of Kelantan Wants UMK To Strengthen Education Diplomacy In ASEAN Region
BACHOK, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), the Regent of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakhry Petra, urged the university to play a more active role in strengthening education diplomacy in line with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN Chairman for the year 2025.
His Royal Highness stated that Malaysia's appointment as the ASEAN Chairmanship and the successful hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur proved the country's capability to lead the region and stand out on the global stage in the context of international diplomacy.
"The admission of Timor Leste as a new ASEAN member and the signing of the peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand have proven Malaysia's strategic role as a bridging nation between the Eastern and Western worlds," His Royal Highness said in his address at the First Session of the UMK 15th Convocation Ceremony at the UMK Entrepreneurship Hall, here Monday.
In this regard, His Royal Highness was of the view that UMK should act as a driver for education diplomacy by expanding strategic collaborations in higher education matters across the ASEAN region.
"UMK can explore new opportunities in Timor Leste in addition to strengthening existing relationships with other ASEAN countries.
"This approach not only expands the academic network but also strengthens UMK's position as a competitive entrepreneurial institution at the regional level," His Royal Highness added.
Tengku Muhammad Fakhry also suggested that UMK implement more strategic and high-impact initiatives to increase the university's visibility as a higher education destination in the field of entrepreneurship.
"Among the steps that can be taken include conferring Honorary Degrees on leadership figures from ASEAN countries in recognition of their contributions," His Royal Highness decreed.
In the meantime, His Royal Highness also extended congratulations to the UMK management lineup, the graduates, lecturers, and administrative and support staff for the successful organisation of the convocation ceremony.
"Not forgetting the parents who have made sacrifices and contributed to the success of their children. May all the efforts and kindness poured out become lasting amal jariah (charitable deeds/good legacy)," His Royal Highness said.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness called on all parties to remain committed to continue upholding UMK as an entrepreneurship-based university through systematic planning, action plans, and the implementation of robust strategies after almost two decades since its establishment.
"I will constantly monitor every development, progress, and achievement attained by UMK, whether at the national or international level throughout 2025.
"All these achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of the UMK community as a whole; congratulations," His Royal Highness expressed.
Tengku Muhammad Fakhry stated that after almost two decades of operation, UMK needs to review its philosophy as an entrepreneurial university by considering a more humanistic approach to entrepreneurship through the concept of humanistic entrepreneurship based on tauhidik (divine oneness) principles across its entire ecosystem.
"I understand that UMK is currently preparing the UMK30 strategic plan. The question is, does this new strategic plan also consider the strategic needs for the holistic development of this state through a robust synergy approach among institutions?
"In the context of collaboration between UMK and the state government, I hope a stronger relationship can be established. The approach of mutual assistance between UMK and agencies under the state government must be enhanced to provide great benefit to the progress of UMK and the development of Kelantan," His Royal Highness said.
-- BERNAMA
