KUCHING: Some local universities today are solely focused on producing graduates with an ability to achieve monetary success.
At a recent Seminar MPU Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Vice-Chancellor of i-CATS University College, Prof. Dr. Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce said these universities often overlook the importance of building a civil heart and mind in their students.
The consequence of which is a lack of empathy, compassion, tolerance, and respect, he said.
“A recent incident where a 27-year-old man was caught on camera assaulting an elderly man over a minor road accident has sparked concerns about the decline of empathy, compassion and basic civility in society.
“It is evident that the deterioration of these values in our society can have severe consequences and may lead to a soulless society where people only care about themselves,” he added in a press statement Monday.
Hence, Shahren said the seminar was a commendable initiative towards building a civil society that values empathy, compassion, tolerance, and respect.
“While some local universities today are focused on producing graduates who are skilled in their chosen fields and can achieve monetary success, the university college has coordinated a programme that certifies lecturers to teach the “Falsafah Dan Isu Semasa” and “Penghayatan Etika Dan Peradaban” subjects under the Ministry of Higher Education’s curriculum,” he disclosed.
“Despite the lack of recognition from some quarters, i-CATS University College believes these subjects are significant in saving our society from losing its soul.”
He added that the seminar provided lecturers with practical strategies and techniques to enhance their teaching of the subjects with the trainers emphasising the importance of creating a student- centred learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity and social responsibility.
“We are committed to produce graduates who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also have a strong sense of social responsibility and ethics.
“We believe that these two subjects are vital effort in restoring the soul and the heart back to the society,” he added.
He added that it is crucial that other universities follow in the footsteps of i-CATS University College and prioritise the development of a civil heart and mind in their students.
The training was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairul Hamimah and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hairol Anuar.
