“By recognising the significance of education, our community will not be left behind in the journey of progress,”
– Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
This week, Head of State Tun Pehin Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was officially proclaimed as the fourth Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
This appointment marks a new chapter for the university, as Wan Junaidi steps into the role previously held by the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, bringing with him a wealth of experience in governance, law, and politics.
Widely regarded for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public service, Wan Junaidi is anticipated to further elevate UNIMAS in its pursuit of academic excellence and community engagement.
His leadership aligns perfectly with the university’s motto, ‘Sustainable Community University’, a vision that emphasises not only educational growth but also sustainable development for Sarawak and beyond.
During his acceptance speech, Wan Junaidi humbly acknowledged the responsibility that comes with the prestigious role.
“It is not merely a symbol for the university but also plays a crucial role in driving UNIMAS’ aspirations to continue achieving excellence in academics and research, both nationally and internationally,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Higher Education for entrusting him with this role, pledging to contribute meaningfully to the progress of Sarawak and Malaysia.
During the proclamation ceremony at the Main Audience Room in Astana Negeri, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir presented Wan Junaidi with the appointment.
Zambry described Wan Junaidi as a leader with an extraordinary global perspective, noting that his appointment would further strengthen the ties between UNIMAS, the state government, and the federal government.
Meanwhile, UNIMAS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit acknowledged Wan Junaidi’s excellence is reflected by his high commitment while serving as a police officer, lawyer, parliamentarian, politician, and Speaker of the Senate.
Beyond the speeches and ceremonies, there was another special project tied to this historic moment—one that has a personal connection for me.
My mother, Malia Taibi, who serves as the Director at UNIMAS Publisher, and her incredible team undertook the creation of a coffee table book to commemorate Wan Junaidi’s appointment.
Creating such a book is no simple feat.
It is not just about compiling facts and dates, but about capturing the essence of a man who has dedicated his life to public service, leadership, and the betterment of his community and country.
The process began in early September, with the team diving into intense research, sifting through archives, and compiling the most relevant and meaningful aspects of Wan Junaidi’s distinguished career.
The challenge wasn’t just in gathering information but in shaping that information into a compelling narrative that reflected both the individual and the significance of his new role at UNIMAS.
The team’s research led to a courtesy call on Wan Junaidi on September 30, giving them the opportunity to engage with him personally and glean invaluable insights that could only come from direct interaction.
This meeting was crucial as it added depth to the project, allowing the team to incorporate not only his achievements but his personal vision for UNIMAS and his reflections on leadership.
But even with all the right information, putting together a book like this under tight deadlines is a daunting task.
Every page must be meticulously crafted, ensuring the visuals are as powerful as the words.
From selecting photographs that tell a story to designing the layout and fine-tuning every paragraph, it’s a labour-intensive process that requires creativity, precision, and teamwork.
My mother and her team worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to ensure the book was not just ready in time for the ceremony on October 16 but that it was a fitting tribute to a man of Wan Junaidi’s stature.
The result was a beautifully crafted coffee table book that stands as a testament to both the leadership of Wan Junaidi and the dedication of the UNIMAS publishing team.
It serves as more than just a commemorative item – it is a piece of history, carefully curated to reflect Wan Junaidi’s journey and his future aspirations for UNIMAS.
My mother often talks about how projects like these require not just hard work but heart.
And this book was truly a labour of love, one that captured the spirit of both the occasion and the man at the centre of it.
It wasn’t just about putting words and pictures on paper—it was about creating a lasting tribute, something that will be cherished and remembered for years to come.
In many ways, the effort that went into creating this book mirrors the same principles that Wan Junaidi himself embodies namely dedication, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
It is a reminder that behind every great leader, there are countless individuals working quietly in the background, ensuring that the legacy is not only remembered but celebrated.
