Championing lifelong learning | The Star

TUANKU Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud regularly accompanies Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir whenever the state Ruler attends events in her capacity as the Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negri Sembilan.There are many such events graced by the royal couple which include the opening of the state legislative assembly, official state celebrations and programmes with the rakyat held throughout Negri Sembilan.

Tuanku Aishah always makes time for these events, including visits to hospitals and homes despite her royal status which has only endeared her more to the people.

As Chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Tuanku Aishah makes it a point to attend the Nilai-based university’s graduation ceremonies.

Since being proclaimed as Chancellor back in 2011, Tuanku Aishah has presented degrees to thousands of graduates and postgraduates, as well as conferred honorary doctorates (PhD) and other awards to others.

Tuanku Aishah is also always present at important events at USIM such as when its Faculty of Quran and Sunnah Studies created the country’s first Quran application to facilitate hearing-impaired individuals to read and discover the holy book.

The achievement allowed hearing-impaired communities not only in Malaysia but from all over the world to read the Quran using the Sign Language Quran application that can be downloaded through the Android and iOS platforms for free.

Tuanku Aishah has personally witnessed several other milestones that have helped in the rapid development of the university, leading it to become one of the most respected Islamic institutions especially in the Asean region.

Tuanku Aishah always shares words of wisdom with graduates, advising them that their outstanding achievements in both the fields of academics and co-curriculum such as debates, Islamic arts and culture and international relations reflected USIM’s ability to help realise the nation’s higher education policy and vision.

Tuanku Aishah Rohani chatting with two of the award recipients during USIM’s recent convocation ceremony.

While delivering her address at the university’s 21st graduation ceremony recently (in December 2023), Tuanku Aishah said USIM has produced graduates who have made a positive impact on the local community and the ummah.

“USIM graduates have not only become public figures but have succeeded in becoming job creators by providing job opportunities for others.

“They have proven that they have been able to apply the knowledge, skills and values they acquired at the university in their career and their daily lives,” Tuanku Aishah said, adding that this was in line with the national education development plan to produce holistic, entrepreneurial and balanced graduates.

Tuanku Aishah was proud that the graduates had been instrumental in helping the local community including people with disabilities, single mothers and Orang Asli by helping raise their quality of living.

This was made possible, among others, through USIM’s mobile clinic, the Ummi Maktum centre and its sports centre.

Tuanku Aishah said the university’s graduates were not only knowledgeable but were competent professionals who possessed leadership qualities.

“There are also undergraduates and graduates who have brought honour to USIM by achieving success in various fields including research and competitions at both national and international levels,” she said, reminding them that with every challenge comes opportunity.

Tuanku Aishah also expressed confidence that graduates who had pursued their studies at USIM had developed their potential in a holistic manner, which would enable them to face future challenges and build more meaningful lives.

Citing an example, Tuanku Aishah said at present, the challenges faced by graduates come from artificial intelligence (AI) although it brings with it plenty of potential.

“We need to accept the fact that the pace of this man-made technology will be a part of our lives and that there are times when we cannot live without the help of technology.

“However, there needs to be a balance between the advancement of AI and the preservation of dignity, love and spiritual development,” Tuanku Aishah said, adding that technological progress will improve human capabilities but not replace humans.

Tuanku Aishah went on to say that she believed USIM graduates were the true manifestation of the Madani Malaysia slogan which was the basis of the country’s administration.

“And through the integration of Naqli and Aqli knowledge cultivated at USIM, the graduates produced are ready to be leaders of the future,” Tuanku Aishah said, adding that these leaders should continue to apply and strengthen values they learnt at the university such as trust, consensus, professionalism, efficiency and possessing a global outlook.

Tuanku Aishah also congratulated the graduating foreign students, expressing hope that as future leaders, they too would be able to instil USIM’s philosophy in the integration of naqli and aqli knowledge in all aspects of their lives.

Tuanku Aishah delivering her address at USIM’s 21st convocation ceremony recently.

Tuanku Aishah’s oldest prince, Tunku Ali Redhauddin Tuanku Muhriz who is also USIM’s Pro-Chancellor, regularly accompanies her for events there.

In his recent address to graduates, the Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti said as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, graduates need to remember that learning is a lifelong journey which extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom.

“While you’ve achieved an incredible feat by graduating, this is just the beginning,” Tunku Ali said, adding that their graduation was not the conclusion, but a catalyst for a lifetime of growth and development.

Tunku Ali also commended the teaching staff at the university, adding that their dedication to the profession and the care they showed for the students made them invaluable assets.

“I am confident with this level of dedication and spirit, USIM’s name will be upheld to be amongst the very best of higher educational institutions,” the Prince said.

Tunku Ali also advised the graduates to always uphold the principles of Rukun Negara wherever they served in the future.

This, the Prince said, would help them become leaders with good ethics and of high integrity who could bring positive change to society.

“I am confident that the principled graduates will contribute to the development of a harmonious, fair, and united country regardless of their background,” Tunku Ali said.

Echoing Tuanku Aishah’s sentiments on AI, Tunku Ali told the graduates that it plays a pivotal role in driving the changes we witness today and will revolutionise the way we live, work, and interact.

“Embracing AI is not merely an option but a necessity for future graduates who will enter the workforce to stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving global environment.

“Indeed, embracing AI, balancing technology and research is crucial for making a positive impact on society,” the Prince said, adding that AI will also help bridge gaps, disseminate information, and improve academic outreach.

The collaboration of technology and research in universities, he said, would not only equip future leaders with essential skills for a tech-driven world but would also empower them to contribute meaningfully to society’s betterment.

Tunku Ali congratulated the university’s international students, adding that their journey at USIM had significantly enriched its academic community.

“Your achievements speak not only to your academic excellence but also to the strength of character and adaptability essential for thriving in a new cultural and educational environment.

“As you navigate the journey back to your hometown, I hope that USIM remains close to your hearts, and you carry with you the values instilled during your time here,” Tunku Ali added.