The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has urged Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to prioritize research in emerging fields like robotics and high-tech artificial intelligence. His Majesty, who is also the Chancellor of UMPSA, emphasized the need for enhanced research in sustainable development and green technology, as well as the empowerment of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). These initiatives align with the 2030 sustainable development goals, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and UMPSA’s role as a science, technology, and engineering university.
According to His Majesty’s speech at the 18th convocation of UMPSA, he believes that strategic collaborations with industry partners and other universities both domestically and internationally will contribute to the university’s excellence and rating. He emphasized that such efforts can greatly impact the socioeconomics and standard of living of the people. The event was attended by Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah and Tengku Panglima Raja Col Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah, who was proclaimed the Pro-Chancellor of UMPSA by Al-Sultan Abdullah.
Initially established as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Pahang branch campus) and later upgraded to University College of Engineering and Technology Malaysia (KUKTEM), the institution became Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in 2007. His Majesty expressed appreciation for the university being named after him, revealing that the suggestion came from the ninth Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob. He hoped that this branding would inspire excellence across various fields, urging a focus on academic empowerment, research, and the improvement of graduates’ employability and ranking position.
In addition, Al-Sultan Abdullah reminded all stakeholders, including the board of directors, administration, academics, and graduates, to uphold the university’s reputation. He emphasized the importance of producing quality human capital consisting of highly skilled, competitive, trustworthy individuals with integrity. The university was also urged to maintain the quality of teaching, learning, research, and high-impact publications. His Majesty further called on UMPSA staff and students to actively engage in charitable and voluntary work, particularly in assisting those in need.
The convocation ceremony will see 4,854 graduates receive their scrolls, including 70 PhD recipients, 161 Master’s degree holders, and 2,181 Bachelor’s degree graduates. – Bernama
