PEKAN: The Sultan of Pahang has expressed concern over worsening social ills among youths, including drug abuse, bullying, online gambling and inappropriate relationships.
Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said it was saddening that some youths were easily influenced by a culture of hatred towards religion and institutions, as if courage were measured by how loudly they insulted and belittled others.
He stressed that university students should be voices of wisdom, not echoes of hatred.
"Be brave enough to speak up, but do so with courtesy. Be brave enough to disagree, but never lose your sense of judgement," he said in his speech at the proclamation ceremony for Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah's (UMPSA) Tuanku Chancellor Hall here today.
Also present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Pahang Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ir Mohd Soffi Abd Razak and UMPSA Pro-Chancellor Tan Sri Abi Musa Asa'ari Mohamed Nor.
On education, Al-Sultan Abdullah said he did not want the pursuit of a degree to overshadow the true purpose of acquiring knowledge.
He said artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to enhance critical thinking rather than become a shortcut that discouraged students from thinking, researching and innovating.
"Let us not produce a generation rich in certificates but poor in knowledge, eloquent in speech but lacking in thought," he said.
Meanwhile, he called on UMPSA to strengthen collaboration with the state government, industry players, foundations and alumni to expand educational assistance, research and local talent development.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said the university's expertise in technology, manufacturing, automotive, logistics and modern agriculture should be translated into tangible benefits for the people.
"Let the knowledge acquired here reach rural communities, stimulate the economy and improve people's lives," he said.
Meanwhile, the ruler commended the efforts of UMPSA and the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council in developing Kolej Kediaman Mawaddah, a residential college established through waqf (Islamic charitable endowment).
"Such initiatives should be expanded. I urge the Federal Government, particularly the Higher Education Ministry, to give due attention to developing residential colleges, faculties and supporting facilities at UMPSA," he said.
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