Education vital for young to shape nation’s future: CM
Published on: Friday, September 06, 2019
By: Anthea Peter
KOTA KINABALU: It is vital for the younger generation who is gaining a place in the nation’s development to be equipped for it via education, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said the younger generation’s role is evident with the passing of a Bill in the Dewan Rakyat to lower the voting age to 18 years and the selection of three young entrepreneurs as members of the newly-formed Economic Action Council.
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“This demonstrates the Government’s willingness to engage young people in shaping the future of Malaysia,” he said during the “Majlis Lafaz Ikrar dan Aku Janji” for new students (2019-2020) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), here, Thursday.
His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Local Housing and Government Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong.
Shafie added that it is every student’s responsibility to take up the role (of shaping the country) by ensuring that self-empowerment is cultivated throughout their university studies.
He said the development of human capital through knowledge, skills, productivity and innovation is a priority in Sabah’s 2019 Budget as it is a valuable asset in the State’s development.
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“This is vital in order to be capable in facing challenges as well as to resolve issues, be it in the economic, social or political aspect,” he said, adding that education is one of the most powerful vehicles of creating an intellectual, skilled, innovative and productive society.
“However, developing human capital will be meaningless if personal values and ethics are not instilled. Therefore, education is the perfect answer in changing the people’s mentality,” said Shafie.
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He added that education is also a field for students to integrate and understand the community in greater depth and harmony, as it may minimise racial and religious issues and ultimately achieve unity.
UMS Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin urged students to uphold the constitution, UMS core values and values in education.
“The Minister of Education has always emphasised the importance of incorporating three core values and cultures in education, namely love, happiness and mutual respect.
“These values are very significant in shaping a more harmonious campus community amidst various cultures that exist, particularly in Sabah,” he said.
Taufiq added that UMS is commited towards ensuring that students will enjoy pursuing their studies and prepare them according to the industry’s needs.
It is line with the UMS Strategic Plan 2018-2022 KRA 8 which is “Enhancing Holistic Student Experience.”
Taufiq also congratulated the students on their new academic endeavours and urged them to fully commit to their studies.
A total of 4,362 new students took their oaths for the 2019-2020 academic session at the Dewan Chancellory.
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