By: Muhammad Hazimuddin Hazli
TANJONG MALIM – The Awang Had Salleh College Student Council (KAHS), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), strengthened its role as a catalyst for global intellectual discourse through the successful organization of the Forum: Global Students, Universal Character, held online on 23 January 2026.
The international forum gathered more than 600 participants, comprising students and academics from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore. Anchored by the theme “Facing Challenges, Bearing Hopes”, the programmed served as a strategic platform to discuss the formation of students’ character through universal values such as integrity, empathy, responsibility, and mutual respect in navigating the complexities of the modern world.
A Tapestry of Global Perspectives
The forum featured distinguished panelists from across the region. En. Hj. Mohd Rafee bin Hj. Mohd Shahif from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) highlighted the significance of universal values grounded in the Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) philosophy, while Ustazah Diwi Abbas from the Institute of Islamic Studies PERGAS (IPIP), Singapore, shared insights on character development in a cosmopolitan society, emphasizing the balance between spiritual values, civic ethics, and intellectual growth.
The discourse was further enriched by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamad Taridi, M.Pd. from Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Jambi, Indonesia, who presented on “Digital Ethics and Integrity: Safeguarding Students’ Character in the Era of Information Disorder.” His session underscored the importance of ethical leadership and integrity among students amid rapid technological advancement, particularly in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Inspiration to the Younger Generation
In his address, Program Director Muhammad Hazimuddin bin Hazli emphasized that the forum transcended conventional academic discussion, serving instead as a platform to cultivate students who are courageous in expressing ideas with integrity, attentive in listening with empathy, and responsible in action as global citizens.
The forum was officiated by the Principal of Awang Had Salleh College, Dr. Mardiana binti Ismail, who expressed her hope that the programmed would inspire students to engage confidently in cross-cultural dialogue, strengthen ethical awareness, and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving global society.
Global Impact and Participation
The success of this forum demonstrates that geographical boundaries are no limitation for UPSI students in leading international intellectual engagement, while reinforcing the university’s reputation as a centre of excellence in nurturing inclusive leadership, ethical character, and globally minded graduates.
