KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has emphasized the importance of education in promoting harmony, unity, and progress in Malaysia. He stated that universities have a crucial role in shaping the country’s future and it is their collective responsibility to ensure continued excellence. These remarks were made by His Majesty during the gala dinner in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Department of Chinese Studies at Universiti Malaya (UM) on Saturday night.
The event, held at Dewan Tunku Canselor, UM, was also attended by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. King Al-Sultan Abdullah commended the Department of Chinese Studies for its contributions to the success and growth of the university and its faculties in preserving knowledge and promoting cultural heritage.
“Over the past six decades, you have sent your best young minds to the university, provided scholarships, offered internships, generously funded research grants for academics, and supported various projects. Your commitment and dedication have played a pivotal role in complementing the quality education envisioned by our country and the institution,” said the King.
Regarding UM, Al-Sultan Abdullah highlighted the university’s consistent excellence in the field of education and research. He expressed his joy at learning that UM has been ranked as the third-best university in Southeast Asia and one of the top eight universities in all of Asia according to the 2023 rankings. The King attributed this achievement to the dedication and hard work of the entire university community.
In addition, His Majesty recognized Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak, who also serves as UM’s Chancellor, for his unwavering support for education and the pursuit of knowledge in the nation.
“I truly admire His Royal Highness’s lifelong fervor in pushing the boundaries of knowledge, a mission shared by this university,” stated the King.
Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, the chairman of the organizing committee, explained during his speech that the Department of Chinese Studies was established with three main objectives: enhancing the learning of the Chinese language, conducting research on and promoting Chinese culture, and fostering cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups. – Bernama
