PENANG, 19 December 2015 - Malaysian public university vice-chancellors and rectors will convene here at the Fourth Public Universities Vice-Chancellors and Rectors Committee (JKNC/R) meeting to discuss and share expertise on how to help the community raise their standard of education and livelihood skills.

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Vice-Chancellor Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Kamarudin Hussin, who is the JKNC/R Chairman said, the meeting tomorrow involving vice-chancellors and rectors from 20 public universities would touch upon the implementation of the government’s decisions, policies and strategies to transform Malaysia into a developed nation. 

“We are also aware of the various challenges of globalisation on the nation’s higher education scene, and the needs for devising strategies and mutual course of action in addressing those challenges through cooperation among all the universities.  

 

"We will discuss on how to raise sources of income for universities, besides sharing expertise in helping the local community with basic necessities,” he said when speaking to reporters after attending a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme held in conjunction with the JKNC/R meeting at the Teluk Bahang National Park near here today.

Earlier, more than 80 student volunteers and staff from USM joined hands with the local residents to clean up the beach and surrounding area of the fishing village in the CSR programme which was officiated by the Deputy Health Minister and Balik Pulau Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr. Hilmi Yahaya.

Hilmi was given the privilege to lead the vice-chancellors and other VIPs to a simple tree planting ceremony as well as giving away food supplies to 30 poor and needy villagers.

Also present at the programme were USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman, several public universities Vice-Chancellors, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and the local village head and residents committee chairman.

JKNC/R is the highest authority for public higher learning institutions whose membership consists of the 20 public universities in Malaysia, providing a platform to the university heads in fostering collegiality, strengthening cooperation and encouraging dialogue among the universities for the development and sustainability of higher education.

 

USM plays host to the Fourth JKNC/R meeting that will be chaired by Kamarudin. The Higher Education Department Director-General, Ministry of Higher Education, Professor Dato’ Dr. Asma Ismail is also expected to attend.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe

Photos: Zamani Abdul Rahim