Universities have an important responsibility in the development of society and the economy, and their contribution needs to change in line with current developments. Describing the view that most universities in some Muslim countries, including Malaysia, seem to have ``lost their spirit'' in producing distinguished scholars, Chairman of the Vice Chancellors/Rectors of Public Universities Committee (JKNC/RUA), Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, said it could be reminder for all scholars. Mohd Ekhwan who is also the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said the nature and views of academicians as voiced by the Senior Lecturer of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Prof Dr Syed Muhammad Khairudin Al-Junied is like a 'deep mind' who always wants the best for the education ecosystem, whether in their respective countries or at the international level. "Thus, the university's contribution must also change with the current situation, which emphasises the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the collaboration that needs to be established together with industry and the existence of the influence of the mass media. "This is where the role of universities is tested. For example, universities need to be involved in collaboration with industry to carry out research and development of new technologies. "This can be achieved by collaborating with companies that produce innovations that are relevant to the market," he told BH today. Yesterday, Syed Muhammad Khairudin expressed his view that most universities in some Muslim countries, including Malaysia, seem to have ``lost their spirit'' in producing distinguished scientists following the results of research and studies through their published writings which no longer have an impact on society. Syed Muhammad Khairudin, who was once listed among the world's 500 most influential Muslims, said that the majority of the university's management was no longer focused on the issue of development and education, but instead had hidden agendas of personal interests or certain groups. Commenting further, Mohd Ekhwan said that universities also need to use the influence of mass media and communication technology to increase advocacy and expand access to education for the general public. He said, just like the world that now exists without borders through the mass media, that's how education can be achieved by anyone who thirsts for knowledge. "As a result, the university needs to stand up and stick to the original philosophy of its establishment. "For example at UKM, our direction as a national university that fights for the Malay language as a modern and dynamic language will always be fought for and defended in any situation," he said. Mohd Ekhwan said that the excellence of higher education in Malaysia is now driven brilliantly through the ideas of the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir through the five main focuses outlined by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and 20 tracks that were separated on 12 January. It includes emphasising the strengthening of the research and innovation ecosystem that emphasises impactful research, which is not only able to improve people's lives but also improve the economy and strengthen the social aspects of the country. "If you look at the 20 tracks that have been outlined, KPT also pays very serious attention to the aspect of deceiving the community and industry through the knowledge sharing transfer programme. "At the same time, emphasis is also placed on the role of academicians to instill the value and culture of knowledge so that the benefits can be felt by all, including the community," he said.

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Date of Input: 11/06/2024 | Updated: 18/06/2024 | aidawati