Tanjong Malim- Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) became the first university in Malaysia to organize the concept of knowledge sharing and unveiling speaker’s hidden talent, under the concept of ‘Captain of The Industry – The Other Side of Me’ Talk Series.
The presence of Datuk Seri Idris Jala, in the ‘Captain of The Industry – The Other Side of Me’ Talk Series 2.0, offered yet another insightful and enlightening knowledge-sharing session from the angle of organizational transformation. The event was organized by the Faculty of Management and Economics (FPE) last January 10 at the SITC Hall of Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus (KSAJS) UPSI.
This visionary initiative was created with the aim of not only revealing the brilliance of industry figures but also delving into the personal dimensions that make them extraordinary. It is a platform where these industry leaders share their expertise while also revealing the compelling interests that shape their lives outside the boardroom.
This event concept gives its own privilege where UPSI people can hear for themselves the journey and views on the success of industry figures in their professional expertise and personal interests, as well as the achievements and artistic, intellectual and creative efforts that can to some extent be a source for fueling the spark of change, transformative for UPSI citizens.
In his speech, Idris Jala emphasized the importance of embracing change as a catalyst for growth. He was quoted as saying that transformation requires the formula of Ying and Yang, with leaders who behave in a transformative manner, and the people in the organization that are willing to embrace change. In the context of education, students must have the desire to learn, and they should be the focus in any attempt to revolutionize the education landscape. He also believes in setting audacious goals, challenging the status quo, and never settling for mediocrity.
According to UPSI Vice Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Md Amin Md Taff, by inviting eminent personalities to share their professional journeys alongside their interests, UPSI not only enriches the academic environment but also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary learning. This lecture series is not just a knowledge sharing event, it is the embodiment of a shared commitment to foster a holistic learning experience.
“The sharing of knowledge for this event is the strength of both entities, combining the expertise of industry figure, featuring Seri Idris Jala known as Transformation Guru, with UPSI’s academic prowess. Together we hold the potential to catalyze change, to foster innovation, and to foster a reservoir of transformative ideas that lead to a better tomorrow,” he said.
This talk series had found its way, with its inaugural episode held on 14 June 2023 with Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr.) Azman Hashim in ‘Captain of The Industry – The Other Side of Me’ Talk Series 1.0, where he shared his life journey and presented a musical performance together with an orchestra. The collaboration of music expertise between UPSI and Universiti Malaya made the event a symphony of unforgettable experiences.
It is hoped that the presence of industry figures, and anticipating more globally known personalities to be part of this talk series, will enhance the collaboration between industry and education institutions, enriching the reputation and credibility of FPE and UPSI in general in giving recognition from the industry to the relevance and quality of education offered by UPSI.