KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has held a Student Oath Taking Ceremony to welcome 898 new students to the Centre for Pre-University Studies (PPPU) for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The event was graced by the Sarawak Governor’s wife, Tan Sri Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, who witnessed the induction of the 15th cohort of the Foundation in Life and Physical Sciences programme, as well as the inaugural cohort of the Foundation in Computing programme.
In his speech, Unimas Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit, emphasised the importance of academic excellence while maintaining humanitarian values.
He said his message aligned with the call from the Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir in urging the younger generation to embrace the concept of ‘brain and character formation’ in education.
“Higher education is not merely about the knowledge gained from textbooks; it is also about character formation and honesty, which are the foundations of a successful life,” he said during the ceremony at DeTAR Putra, Unimas today.
“The element of compassion, which is also one of the pillars of Malaysia Madani, must always be instilled in the hearts of every student.
“Therefore, I urge all of you as new members of Unimas to embrace and internalise this call. As the next generation, students play a crucial role in transforming education from a mere academic routine into a fertile ground for producing responsible and competitive individuals.”
Notably, this year’s ceremony introduced the Foundation in Computing programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing skilled manpower in the technology sector.
A total of 135 students enrolled in this programme, including Fauziah’s son.
The ceremony serves as the starting point for the Student Welcome Week (MAP), which takes place over three days following the new students’ registration on July 23 and 24.