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Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Innovating higher education for the next decade
What should a university be in the 21st century? This question - at once philosophical and practical - was at the heart of the International Conference & Expo on Future-Ready Universities, held at the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, on April 25-26, 2025. We gathered at a time of demographic urgency and technological upheaval. Pakistan, with nearly 64% of its population under the age of 30, has a fleeting window to reap the dividends of its youth bulge. Yet our higher education institutions remain stuck in outdated models - still chasing prestige through infrastructure and image rather than impact, and still measuring success in enrollments and degrees rather than outcomes and innovation. This conference was a strong reminder: we need to take bold and quick action to change our universities for a very different future ahead. The conference brought together powerful voices from Pakistan and abroad - each offering not just critique, but direction. Professor David Palfreyman of Oxford opened the conversation with a candid appraisal of the competing roles that modern universities juggle. He asked: are we truth-seeking institutions, economic engines or market-driven enterprises? In trying to be everything, he warned, universities risk becoming directionless. For Pakistan, where universities often mimic global trends without context, the challenge is even sharper. We must define what kind of university we want - not by default, but by design. Dr Nishat Riaz, who leads the Malala Fund in Pakistan, reminded us that universities should not only teach skills but also help build strong values and character. She advised us to stop focusing so much on fancy buildings or rankings and instead look at how well universities include different people, act with honesty and make a real difference. To truly help society, universities need to welcome diversity, support those who are often left out, and offer education that not only helps students get jobs but also become better citizens. She gave special attention to making future-ready universities in Pakistan more friendly and accessible for girls, so they feel safe, included, and encouraged to lead. While values must remain our foundation, the tools of education are changing fast - and we must keep pace. In his keynote address, Dr Shaukat Ali Brah outlined how artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and hybrid models are reshaping global education. He painted a picture of a future where learners don't just attend lectures but experience knowledge - through virtual reality, data-driven personalisation, and collaborative, interdisciplinary environments. In this new landscape, degrees give way to micro-credentials, and one-time study is replaced by lifelong learning. Faculty roles, too, are transforming: they are no longer just lecturers but designers of learning experiences, mentors, and facilitators of critical thinking. Perhaps the most urgent voice at the conference was that of Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, one of Pakistan's most respected scientists and a former Chair of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). His message was unflinching: Pakistan is being left behind in the global race for scientific and technological leadership. He shared striking examples from across the world - AI-powered drug discovery, real-time translation technologies and breakthroughs in protein folding - that are revolutionising fields from healthcare to education. While other nations invest heavily in frontier research, Pakistan's spending on R&D remains dangerously low. Dr Rahman called for massive investment in knowledge infrastructure, including the establishment of high-calibre research centres in AI, biotechnology and nano-science. He stressed the urgency of reforming university governance to reward innovation, integrity and merit. Without courageous leadership and policy action, he warned, Pakistan risks not only falling behind, but becoming irrelevant in the knowledge economy. When we look at all the voices and ideas shared at the conference, one message becomes clear: Pakistan's universities don't just need small changes - they need a complete transformation. We must move away from old-fashioned, one-size-fits-all teaching methods and build new ways of learning that are active, flexible, and designed around the needs of students. Technology must be used to improve - not replace - human connection in education. Our universities must be smart in how they use data, open in how they make decisions, and fast in how they respond to change. Inclusion and sustainability should no longer be add-ons - they must become the core of what makes a university excellent. In today's global world, Pakistani universities must prepare students not just for local success, but for global relevance - while still solving the real challenges at home. This conference was not just an event. It was a turning point. If we wait too long, we will miss the greatest chance our country has ever had: a young generation full of dreams, creativity and potential. They deserve universities that help them shine - not hold them back. So let us change how we measure progress. Not by the size of our buildings, but by the strength of our ideas. Not by the number of graduates, but by how well they lead, innovate, and serve others.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Inciting hatred of 'dirty' homosexuality is the point, says Terengganu exco member
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government does not deny that the messages on a warning signboard regarding homosexual practices installed in several strategic locations in the state are indeed intended to instil hatred towards such acts among the community. State local government, housing and health exco Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the action was part of an effort to educate the people to stay away from things that go against religious values and societal norms. "We really want the people to hate homosexual acts. We want them to consider it dirty, wrong and to be avoided. "Signboards like this are part of an effort to brighten up the city's atmosphere with Islamic symbols," Sinar Harian quoted him as saying on Saturday (May 10). Wan Sukairi was commenting on a report by a local news portal which questioned the existence of a prohibition sign related to homosexuality near Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). He added that the installation of the sign provides a constant reminder to the public, especially in areas that are popular with young people, including institutions of higher learning (IPT). "We are targeting the IPT area because there are many young people there. "This message is important so that they do not get caught up in negative things," he added. Wan Shukri stressed that each local authority (PBT) in Terengganu can choose a different delivery style, but the purpose remains the same, which is to educate and prevent. The move received criticism from several parties, including transgender activist Nisha Ayub, who described it as a form of institutionalised discrimination and a dangerous endorsement of hatred.
Free Malaysia Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Terengganu varsity unaware of anti-gay signboard outside campus
A signboard warning against homosexuality recently put up across the road from the main entrance and exit of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Kuala Terengganu. PETALING JAYA : Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) says it is unaware of a signboard facing its main entrance and exit which warns against homosexuality. The signboard, put up by the Kuala Terengganu City Council recently, features two male stick figures holding hands. The figures are surrounded by flames and a crossed-out heart, alongside a Quranic verse and a message condemning same-sex relations. When contacted, UMT deputy vice-chancellor (academic & international) Suriyani Muhamad referred FMT to the university's communications officer, who said he had no information on the signboard. The signboard is located on a road outside the General Operations Force officers' housing complex in Kuala Terengganu. The officer also said the university could not issue any statement as the signboard, which is located outside the university's grounds, does not fall under its jurisdiction. FMT has also attempted to reach out to the council and state executive councillor for education, higher education, science, technology and human development Satiful Bahari Mamat. Contacted for comment, an aide to higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir referred the matter back to UMT. Speaking to FMT on condition of anonymity, a local academic questioned why the signboard was placed at such a prominent position on a road across the UMT campus's main entrance and exit. Transgender activist Nisha Ayub condemned the signboard, calling it a 'dangerous endorsement of hate' and a clear example of institutionalised discrimination. Nisha said the signboard not only enforces hatred towards a minority group, but also implicitly encourages bullying, which could lead to violence. 'It's just crazy to see this kind of work being done just to enforce hatred against a minority,' said Nisha.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Boosting income in military communities
Honey for everyone: Muhammad Zamzuri and wife Nurdiana Rudy watching as stingless bees (kelulut) enter a specialised wooden box to make honey at Kabota Camp, Tawau. — Bernama TAWAU: After joining the army, Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli's family would rely only on his salary as a staff sergeant at the Kabota Camp here. But with the nationwide Madani Camp Programme, families like his have the opportunity to gain extra income from small-scale farms that grow either mushrooms, vegetables through fertigation, or cultivate stingless bee (kelulut) hives. 'We received training from UMT (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu) experts on how to care for the bees,' Muhammad Zamzuri told Bernama. 'This project follows the 3T concept – ternak (rear), tinggal (leave), and tuai (harvest). It's easy to manage, and my wife, who's a homemaker, can look after it,' he said. Muhammad Zamzuri's participation has brought the family extra income from the sale of the bees' honey, which can fetch RM500 per kg in the open market. The Kabota Camp's kelulut project was visited by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who announced that RM10mil has been earmarked this year for various Madani camp programmes. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative, which is similar to the Madani Economic Programme that is being implemented in rural villages. 'We decided to bring the Madani Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Bhd, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during the visit, which also included army chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the programme is also being supported by the Higher Education Ministry and research institutions, who have provided guidance to participants. 'Each camp can choose its own focus. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. UMT Knowledge Transfer Centre director, Dr Zuha Rosufila Abu Hasan, said the programme is a collaboration between the Defence and Higher Education ministries, with four universities. UMT leads the kelulut honey project, UTHM is implementing hydroponic initiatives, while UiTM and UniMAP are focusing on mushroom cultivation. 'These projects provide direct benefits to camp communities and bring university research closer to the people. They are also aimed at improving household incomes.' UMT offers workshops covering basic beekeeping, downstream product development and bee trap making. Dr Zuha said kelulut bees are reared in wooden boxes and can produce about one kilogramme of honey each month. 'At Kabota Camp, 60 hives are managed by 20 participants. The market price for a kilo of pure kelulut honey is over RM500,' she added.
Malay Mail
04-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Soldiers, spouses profit from kelulut honey in RM10m Madani Camp drive
TAWAU, May 4 — The government has allocated RM10 million this year to implement the Madani Camp Programme in military camps nationwide, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the ministry had proposed the initiative to ensure military personnel and their families also benefit from a programme similar in spirit to the Madani Economic Programme. As an example, Kabota Camp here has been identified for a stingless bee honey (kelulut) project aimed at generating income for members of the 7 RAMD Armed Forces Welfare Body (Bakat) and their spouses. 'We decided to bring the Madani Economic Programme into military camps, as communities outside are already enjoying its economic benefits. 'Boustead Plantation Berhad, a subsidiary of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), is also involved,' he said during a visit to the kelulut honey project site and the new military family housing (RKAT) construction area at Kabota Camp, accompanied by Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry has also received support from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to implement other projects, including fertigation and mushroom cultivation. 'Each camp can choose its own focus based on local interest. For example, the kelulut honey project at Kabota Camp is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), which has expertise in this field,' he said. He noted that such projects not only help generate additional income but also contribute to the national economy if expanded. Meanwhile, Madani Camp participant Staff Sergeant Muhammad Zamzuri Zulkefli expressed his gratitude for being selected for the kelulut honey project, which has helped increase his family's income. 'We received training from UMT experts on how to care for the bees. 'This project follows the 3T concept – ternak (rear), tinggal (stay), and tuai (harvest). It's easy to manage, and my wife, who's a homemaker, can look after it in her free time,' he said. UMT Knowledge Transfer Centre director, Dr Zuha Rosufila Abu Hasan, said the programme is a collaboration between the Defence and Higher Education ministries, involving four universities in the first phase. UMT leads the kelulut honey project, UTHM is implementing hydroponic initiatives, while UiTM and UniMAP are focusing on mushroom cultivation. 'These projects provide direct benefits to camp communities and bring university research closer to the people. They are also aimed at improving household incomes,' she said. Dr Zuha explained that UMT offers workshops covering basic beekeeping, downstream product development, and bee trap making. She said kelulut bees are reared in wooden boxes and can produce about one kilogramme of honey each month. 'At Kabota Camp, 60 hives are managed by 20 Bakat participants. The market price for a kilogramme of pure kelulut honey is over RM500,' she added. — Bernama
