My previous article which appeared in this column dealt with the importance of preparing our graduates with the skills to acquire knowledge. The main reason why it is important, is to ensure their readiness and ability for a lifelong journey in the search for knowledge. The ocean of knowledge is there for graduates to explore,…
Of late, there have been complaints that what matters most in Malaysian politics, is perception. So often have we heard political statements in the form “not only must one be…but one must also be seen to be…” that we have developed, perhaps subconsciously and in a subtle way, a kind of resolve that it is…
Thinking, being an epistemic act, is an integral cognitive component of science. Since expanding the frontiers of human knowledge is one of the main concerns in science, creativity as a phenomenon of thinking is a subject which has drawn the attention of many researchers. In a number of attempts to account for creative thinking, one…
We have previously mentioned that books alone are not education; books are good only as far as the reader is ready or has the aptitude for them. (See further “A Profound Mind Leads to Avid Reading,” IKIM Views, 10th of June 2008.) In particular, we are referring to great books, which treat the most significant ideas surrounding…
Being a multiracial country, the formation of a ‘Malaysian Nation’ has been the concern of many since Merdeka. It has become the talk of politicians of the successive ruling government coalitions, the opposition, academics, intellectuals, professionals, private bodies, NGOs and even ordinary individuals. A lot has been translated into action, some have shown positive impact…
The role of the public service has played a great significant and supportive role in the development of our country. Its strong administrative machinery has enabled us to propel our development which has earned admiration from the world. A responsive public sector has made it possible for us to enjoy the good life that most…
The term ‘Jihad’ has become well-known in English nomenclature because of the contemporary political situation and the focus of media on violence. Many people on the street are mislead by the international abuse of its meaning. In the west, the term ‘Jihad’ must be carefully employed. I still remember a friend of mine, an Arab-American…
Against those who despise books and reading, Voltaire once remarked, albeit with some exaggerations, that “the whole of the known universe, with the exception of the savage races, is governed by books alone.” Voltaire illustrated his reminder using many witty examples. Among others, this 18th century French Enlightenment essayist pointed out that the Islamic civilization…
Last two months, on the 23rd of April, World Book Day was celebrated globally. The annual celebration had been designated by UNESCO since 1995, inspired by the Catalonian custom el dia del llibre, a festival when lovers and their beloved exchange books as gifts. (Half the yearly sales of books in Catalonia are made on…
In one of my articles written last November, I emphasised on the importance of Continuing Professional Development for the graduates, to be extended beyond their formal university education. One of the reasons is to bridge the gap between what they have acquired during their studies, with the demands and expectations of employers in the job…
