KUCHING: Moral values are the core of self-commitment, said Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research deputy permanent secretary Dr Abdul Rahman Deen.
He said strong moral values would ensure that graduates stay on the right path when facing the uncertainty of the real world.
“You should be equipped with strong values such as ethics, morals, accountability and integrity,” he said during Technology College Sarawak’s (TCS) 16th convocation ceremony at Riverside Majestic Hotel here, yesterday.
He also stressed credibility as the most valuable asset in the workplace, followed by a strong sense of responsibility.
“Honesty and integrity will bring more confidence when it comes to employability as employees with these qualities are usually the ones that employers can count on,” he said, adding that integrity was significant to avoid committing crimes, such as taking bribes.
In emphasising the importance of punctuality, he advised graduates to do away with the ‘Malaysian time’ culture and emulate the Japanese instead.
“If you go to Tokyo and read their schedule, it does not state the time the usual way. Instead of stating 3.30, the schedule will put it as 3.27 — that is how much they value their time.
“Respecting time is of the essence. This is the universal and core value that is shared by everyone around the world,” he said.
He also reminded that giving back to society would leave a more positive impact on a person’s wellbeing.
“I believe if we help people and give back to society, this will help us remain on the right path to achieve happiness in this world and in the afterlife,” he said.
