SINTOK, 28 June 2026: The Nakhoda Aspirasi dan Kecemerlangan Bakat (NAQIB) Programme is a strategic talent development programme initiative by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) aimed at strengthening the culture of mentoring, knowledge sharing and professional development among its staff.
NAQIB UUM 2026 seeks to enhance the professional development of staff in the Management and Professional (P&P) group through a structured mentorship approach, in line with the university’s aspiration to produce competent, ethical and competitive employees.
In his officiating speech, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, emphasised that P&P staff are the backbone of the university, serving as policy drivers, strategic planners and key implementers in ensuring the smooth administration of the university.
He said the NAQIB programme was introduced to guide newly appointed university staff in understanding and embracing UUM’s policies and work culture through the guidance of experienced and credible mentors.
According to him, human capital development should not depend solely in intellectual intelligence (IQ), but must also be balanced with emotional intelligence (EQ) and spiritual intelligence (SQ) to produce holistic, credible, and ethical administrators.
He further stressed that the mentoring under the NAQIB programme should not be limited to the transfer of knowledge alone, but should also involve the transfer of values and character in cultivating integrity, professionalism, work ethics and effective leadership.
In addition, he reminded UUM staff to foster a proactive and responsive work culture, while embracing the spirit of collegiality in delivering the highest standards of service to students and the wider university community.
Through an approach based on the philosophy of Knowledge, Virtue and Service, the NAQIB Programme is expected to create a more collaborative work ecosystem, support a culture of knowledge sharing, and strengthen competency development among the UUM community.
The ceremony also witnessed Professor Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed officially launching the UUM 2026 Nakhoda Aspirasi dan Kecemerlangan Bakat (NAQIB) Programme and presenting letters of appointment to NAQIB facilitators, mentors, and mentees as a symbol of the university’s recognition of their role in guiding staff, developing competencies and instilling a professional work culture within the UUM community.
