Academic success not just to boost mind but develop character, personality, says Higher Education Minister

BINTULU (July 25): Academic success is not just about sharpening the mind but also developing character and personality, said Higher Education Minister Dato Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir.

During an online dialogue session with the new batch of Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu campus (UPMKB) diploma students at their orientation week, he emphasised the importance of academic excellence and character-building.

He spoke about the challenges of the modern world, where information is abundant but not always accurate, and encouraged students to be critical thinkers.

“Students need to be critical thinkers and verify any information that they encounter,” he said.

Zambry also encouraged students to continuously enhance their skills through reskilling or upskilling, especially in the business field.

“Possessing various skills would increase your competitiveness in the challenging job market,” he said.

In response to a question from the floor on financial burdens faced by students, Zambry said the ministry is committed to ensuring the students’ welfare and that measures are being taken to address the issue.

He added the ministry will introduce special initiatives for students with disabilities (OKU) to ensure accessibility of higher education to all segments of society.

The session ended with the minister promising to improve internet access across all campuses to greatly benefit students.

“I wish all new students success, and I hope they would live their campus life with enthusiasm as well as achieve excellence in their chosen fields,” he added.