LETTER: I remember vividly the moment I was asked by the then Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Professor Datuk Dr Rahmah Mohamed, on what motivated me to serve UKM.
The question was posed to me at a training workshop for young lecturers, which I had attended upon returning from Australia with a PhD.
My answer comprised three points. Firstly, it was the precious opportunity to be working with some of Malaysia's outstanding scientists.
Secondly, as an alumnus, it was the golden opportunity to return the favour by training and teaching new talents enrolled at UKM.
Thirdly, as a researcher, I would be able to explore and delve into my favourite research niche, which was mangrove ecology.
I believe that the freedom to carry out independent research in a desired field is the key factor that allows a scientist or researcher to excel.
Regardless of the niche, theme or topic of academic research, reasonable support by the university in terms of budget, space and time is needed for research to develop and flourish.
The result will be mature development in academic talent and expertise. It is natural for researchers to share their work and findings with peers through academic writing in journals and books, and to present their ideas and data in conferences, seminars and workshops.
In academia, it is obligatory for lecturers to train and develop new talents through teaching and thesis supervision.
In addition, being a researcher entails contributing knowledge for nation-building.
This can be via solving community issues or advising the authorities to make well-informed decisions.
While individual passion in carrying out research is certainly important, the support and the freedom given by the university are the catalysts for excellence.
Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, Professor Emerita Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, Distinguished Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Sham Sani, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Mohamed, to name a few, are some of the prominent figures and scientists from UKM.
Nurtured and groomed by the university, they traverse the globe to lead agencies and organisations, sharing their knowledge and expertise in policy-making, resource management and producing great inventions.
In academia, working at a university like UKM opens up tremendous doors to the world. There is no restriction for researchers to collaborate constructively with colleagues from around the world.
UKM turned 50 yesterday. Throughout her five decades of existence, the university has produced over 150,000 graduates who have contributed and are still contributing and will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of the country in various fields.
UKM is proud to note that she has led and ranked top among Malaysian universities under 50 years old for several consecutive years.
Not at all bad an achievement for a young university that upholds the use of Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of academic communication. It signifies that UKM has stayed true to her principles since its establishment in 1970.
Happy 50th birthday, UKM!
DR A. ALDRIE AMIR
INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (LESTARI)
UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times