SINTOK, 26 May 2025: Institutional excellence is not a matter of chance, it must be cultivated through a professional, ethical and results-oriented work culture.
The Chairman of the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Board of Directors, Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Shukor Mahfar, urged UUM members of staff to embrace the principles of good governance as a driving force in building a culture of excellence.
“Every action must be guided by the value of integrity, and decisions must adhere to the principles of justice and accountability.
“We must uphold these values if we wish to ensure that UUM continues to advance and earns respect both nationally and internationally,” he said during the officiation of the Innovation Day and University Awards Ceremony (HIMPU) 2025 at the Mu’adzam Shah Hall, this morning.
He was joined by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan and UUM Registrar, Mr. Ahmad Rasidi Abdullah, in presenting the Excellence Service Award (APC) for the year 2024, followed by the Distinguished Office Bearer Award, the Loyalty Award, the Research, Publication, Teaching and Learning Innovation and Quality (APIQ) Award.
He emphasised that the excellence of a university is not solely defined by awards or academic achievements, but rather by its governance system, the strength of its commitment to integrity, and the sense of unity among the its members.
According to him, in a complex and dynamic university environment, the success of an institution is significantly influenced by effective governance practices grounded in integrity, visionary leadership, a transparent support system and the strategic implementation of policies.
“Adherence to policies and decisions established collectively through various governance committees demonstrates institutional discipline and highlights a strong culture of accountability.
“Every policy introduced, whether related to academics, finance, human resources, or risk management aspects within each organisation, has undergone a thorough consultation process.
“It is essential to recognise that effective governance is not only dependent on the structural framework but also on the organisational culture that upholds the values of trust and responsibility,” he said.
He further added that the annual ceremony serves not merely as a formal occasion, but as a significant platform for acknowledging the contributions of university staff across various fields.
“To the award recipients who are being honoured, I extend my sincere congratulations on your commendable achievements. This recognition reflects not only your outstanding performance but also the core values of integrity, commitment, and professionalism that are essential to good governance practices.”
“It is my hope that this achievement will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for all university staff to commit themselves fully to their roles,” he said.
