SINTOK, 2 February 2026: Universities must place strong emphasis on the cultivation of values and ethical character as a fundamental pillar in producing academics and students who are balanced in terms of knowledge and character, rather than focusing solely on academic achievement.
Delivering his New Year address themed ‘Advancing Knowledge, Upholding Values’, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed emphasised that values form the core foundation of a harmonious and respectful campus ecosystem grounded in universal human principles.
According to him, the university does not aim to produce scholars who are highly knowledgeable but deficient in character. Instead, the goal is to nurture individuals who possess intellectual excellence alongside strong ethical values, mutual respect, and the ability to engage constructively and wisely with others, whether among colleagues, students or administrators.
“Values encompass respect for one another, openness to differing views, sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity, and the ability to interact thoughtfully with all members of the university community,” he said at the Vice-Chancellor’s New Year Address and Presentation of Appointment Letters to Key Office Bearers of the Year 2026 at EDC-UUM, earlier today.
He further emphasised that the focus on values aligns with UUM’s aspiration to become a leading institution, not only in terms of academic excellence and areas of focus, but also in nurturing individuals of integrity and high moral standing.
At the same juncture, he highlighted that the directives and addresses of the Minister of Higher Education and the Chief Secretary to the Government, particularly those outlined in the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, will be formulated and incorporated into the university’s strategic planning framework.
Among the eight key national higher education initiatives receiving priority are the assurance of university placements for outstanding students, the introduction of free education for students with disabilities (OKU), the enhancement of student welfare, and the provision of more conducive learning environments.
In this regard, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha urged all heads of departments to be more attentive and responsive to the needs of students with disabilities, in line with the government’s commitment to improving accessibility and inclusivity.
The university also plans to establish a dedicated department for persons with disabilities, aimed at ensuring that the welfare of both disabled students and staff is managed more effectively and systematically.
Additionally, efforts to expand student accommodation facilities are currently being discussed with government-linked companies (GLCs). The university is also strengthening the role of the general studies subjects (MPU), particularly history, as a vital component in shaping national identity and future direction.
He encouraged historians and academics at UUM to contribute actively to public discourse by writing and sharing insights through mainstream media on the importance of historical awareness, especially among the younger generation.
In the context of the Ministry of Higher Education’s thrust, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha underscored the role of academia as nation-builders and highlighted the importance of empowering students to participate meaningfully in university decision-making processes.
“These students need to be given opportunities to be directly involved, whether in university committees, student affairs or leadership platforms so that they emerge as resilient, independent and civic-minded graduates.
“An emphasis on the balance of knowledge with strong ethical values is essential to producing a society that is not only physically and intellectually advanced, but also firmly rooted in strong traditional and Eastern values,” he said.
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr Ahmad Martadha also presented letters of appointment to key university office bearers for the year 2026.
Also present were Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Prof. Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) who is also performing the duties of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Prof. Dr Ram Al Jaffri Saad; Registrar, Mr Ahmad Rasidi Abdullah and Bursar, Mr Mohtar Hasim.
