DELIVER NEW VALUES TO THE UNIVERSITY – CHANCELLOR

PENANG, 10 Jul 2012 – The university needs to inject new values in its role, particularly in helping to address issues that are more challenging,'' said Tuanku Chancellor of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.

He said, many things need to be implemented together to provide new value to universities and the academia, including the way we think and act.

He also said that the contributions of the academics and universities are immense to the country and it can be seen with the production of so many graduates, as well as successful research results which have been highlighted.

“In the meantime, there is much that we have done together to deliver new values to university and the academia, especially in view of the current environment which is much more challenging.

“One of these is changes in values among young people, a culture of respect and changes to societal values that require collective thinking,” he said.

He suggested in his speech for the Sanggar Sanjung Awards (MASS) 2011 held here today.

“Success and excellence is achieved when we work as a team to help one another, enriching understanding and repelling all negative feelings,'' he said.

During this time, MASS 2011 with the concept theme of 'Senada' which emphasises on teamwork as practiced by the university, saw about 200 recipients receiving the award for the 10 major categories.

Among the categories contested are Book Publications, Creativity, International Research Grants, Patents, Quality, Journal Publications, Educator Accolades and Personality.

The Personality category of MASS was clinched by two great women: Prof. Rahmah Noordin from Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) and Assoc. Prof. Afidah Abdul Rahim from the School of Chemical Sciences.

Both were selected after successfully proving their calibre in the areas of leadership recognized by outsiders holding an important office. In the case of Rahmah, she was selected because she was selected as a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Afidah was because of her appointment as the French National Order of Academic Palms, Ministry of Education of France.

Moreover, MASS 2011 also listed two new categories. The Industry Accolades Awards was won by Assoc. Prof. Widad Ismail of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering while the Community Service Award was won by Prof. Ahmad Sukari Halim of the School of Medical Sciences.

The Industry Accolades Awards was established to recognize individual contributions in strengthening relationship with the industry while Community Service for those who served the community with their expertise, not just among the people in the country but other countries as well.

USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Omar Osman, said that if the university is to manage the challenges of organisational behavior, it requires an accurate understanding at all levels.

He added that the University shows the way through leadership at all levels, based on the motto “We Lead”, leadership in the institution and organisation, research and innovation and in cooperation with the society and industry.

“We do not want foreign institutions to view our institutions and universities within the framework of thoughts that disregards national aspirations and the nation, let alone religion,” he said.

“That is the reason why the theme 'Senada' was selected for MASS 2011 which is to reflect how we tune in to the leadership with the combined strength to face every challenge,” he said.

Full list of MASS 2011 winners