KUCHING: Management and Science University’s (MSU) Amal Ramadan programme stands as a testament to the cultural competency embraced by staff, lecturers and students alike.
MSU president Professor Tan Sri Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid said the programme is integral to MSU’s framework for honouring the month of Ramadan, aiming to cultivate and nurture cultural awareness.
“This programme serves a broader objective. At the university and college level, it aims to awaken cultural sensitivity among lecturers, staff, and students, fostering an environment conducive to intercultural learning and cultural competency, values highly esteemed at MSU.
“We believe in creating a tolerant society, which is why we not only offer programmes promoting cultural awareness during Ramadan but also during Chinese New Year, Hari Gawai, Hari Kaamatan, and Christmas Day, recognising the significance of intercultural understanding,” he said during his address.
Dr Mohd Shukri noted the importance of understanding the diverse cultures within MSU, highlighting the programme’s efforts to honour the month of Ramadan as a commendable initiative fostering tolerance among the university’s diverse racial and religious groups.
“This programme also aims to promote tolerance among the different races and religions represented within MSU,” he said before officiating the MSU Amal Ramadan at MSU College Sarawak on Thursday (March 21).
Expanding on the theme of cultural competency, he reiterated that the diversity within MSU serves as the institution’s strength. With its main campus in Shah Alam, Selangor, MSU is home to students from 65 countries.
“In Shah Alam alone, we have students from approximately 65 countries, each bringing their unique cultural perspectives. It’s imperative for us to understand and respect their cultures.”
During the event, Dr Mohd Shukri presented zakat (a form of almsgiving in Islam) to 45 MSU students from various courses at MSU College, Sarawak.
