KUCHING: The Ministry of Higher Education’s (MoHE) introduction of a new General Studies (MPU) subject on human development will be a catalyst to nurture holistic, knowledgeable and wise graduates.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit welcomed the initiative by MoHE, describing it as a meaningful move towards holistic human development — not merely as a national concept, but also as a reflection of Sarawak’s cultural heritage that teaches subtly yet profoundly.
“The implementation of this subject at UNIMAS will highlight Sarawak’s identity as a state rich in cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity, built upon universal values that connect all communities.
“We can adapt it through local Bornean narratives by emphasising the spirit of cooperation (gotong-royong), harmony with nature, and the principle of ‘living peacefully as neighbours,’ which forms the foundation of the state’s social harmony,” he told Sarawak Tribune on Tuesday (Nov 4).
He added that UNIMAS would ensure the subject’s implementation is interdisciplinary and contextual through a community-based experiential learning approach.
“In addition, UNIMAS will integrate cross-faculty and cross-ethnic activities to strengthen empathy and communication skills.
“We will also involve instructors from various fields — not only academics, but also leadership, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism.
“This MoHE initiative aligns with UNIMAS’s philosophy, ‘Inspiring People, Driving Innovation, Extending Global Influence, Advancing Sustainability,’ which emphasises human development as the foundation of a sustainable nation,” he added.
He said that the subject could also serve as a platform for self-reflection among students, allowing them not only to understand moral theories but to practise humanitarian values in daily life.
“At UNIMAS, we believe that the true measure of a graduate’s success is not solely determined by their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), but by the wisdom of their heart and the integrity of their actions.
“With interactive, reflective, and experiential learning elements, this subject can nurture graduates who are intellectually sharp, spiritually grounded, and morally upright,” he stressed.
He added that the MPU subject on human development aligns closely with the goals of higher education rooted in values, humanity, and social responsibility.
“Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but a process of shaping the human being — physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually — in a balanced and civilised manner.
“It restores the true spirit of education, which is not only to produce intelligent graduates but wise human beings,” he added.
He also emphasised that this new approach is highly significant in building emotional resilience, social empathy, and ethical awareness among students who now face the pressures of the digital and globalised world.
“In an era driven by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the real challenge is not only how we think, but who we are as human beings.
“Thus, this approach helps balance professional competence with moral wisdom — a pressing need in the increasingly complex post-pandemic world,” he said.
