KUANTAN: The initiative by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) to introduce an educational tourism (edutourism) programme has not only made the higher-learning institution a leading edutourism hub in the state, but also contribute towards improving the welfare and economy of the people.
UMPSA pro-chancellor, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah, said the programme which began in May this year had successfully attracted more than 150 international students.
"I am extremely proud of the edutourism initiative which has made UMPSA a main hub for the programme in Pahang. The programme contributes towards improving the wellbeing of the community and local economy.
"It offers packages on English-language learning modules and technology elements that involve culture and heritage. Participants will visit interesting places, especially across Pahang.
"The edutourism programme, which began in May has garnered the attention of some 150 international participants from Indonesia, China, Yemen, Iraq, Palestina, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia," he said in his speech at the 19th UMPSA convocation at the Gambang campus here today.
Tengku Hassanal expressed his appreciation to the university for championing the needs of people with disabilities (PwD).
He said various facilities had been provided by the university at both the Gambang and Pekan campuses to uphold the rights of PwD.
He said he recently witnessed the MoU signing ceremony between UMPSA and Universiti Islam Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah with Abu Dhabi's Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, which was the brainchild of his father, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who is also UMPSA chancellor.
"The cooperation will not only create academic and research opportunities, but pave the way for significant ties in various programmes. Insya-Allah, a similar collaboration will be executed with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence," he said.
Tengku Hassanal also hailed UMPSA's Sustainable Campus Blueprint, which adopted sustainable development education towards producing a conducive green technology.
"The university supports the Sustainable Development Goals agenda through various initiatives including the floating solar farm, making UMPSA the first public university in the country to have floating solar panels.
"The initiative has successfully reduced electricity bills by more than RM2 million and most importantly, reduced carbon dioxide emissions 38 per cent annually at UMPSA." he said.
Tengku Hassanal advised the 5,000-odd graduates who would be going into the working world to always ensure good behaviour and safeguard their integrity.
"I want UMPSA graduates to be in demand by employers out there. Mention UMPSA, the quality and excellence of our graduates cannot be denied. I do not want UMPSA graduates to be involved in activities which are against the law," he said.
He said the work-based learning experience involving UMPSA and the industry players was a huge advantage for the graduates as they have gained experience in the workplace environment earlier which will boost graduate employability.
Earlier, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim conferred the emeritus professor title to former vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Daing Nasir Daing Ibrahim.
A total of 5,115 graduates, including 263 masters and doctoral graduates, 2,538 degree students, 64 dual-degree students, 533 diploma students and 1,717 UMPSA Advanced graduates will receive their scrolls between Oct 26 and Oct 29 at the UMPSA Sports Complex Hall in Gambang.