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In an illustrious testament to their unprecedented contribution to the educational landscape, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its visionary Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, have both been lauded with coveted Educational Excellence Leadership Awards at the highly anticipated National Education and Learning Summit 2023. The University claimed the "Outstanding University Excellence Award," while Professor Al-Atabi was bestowed with the "Educational Icon Leadership Award".
Organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (MAPCU) and the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI) Malaysia, the 2023 Summit was themed "Future-Ready Education for a Future-Capable Society." The event spotlighted Malaysia's readiness for an adaptive education ecosystem that embraces rapid changes in a digitizing world and an increasingly competitive environment.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Al-Atabi voiced his pride and gratitude, affirming that the accolades reflected Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s transformative impact on Malaysia's educational landscape:
The conferment of these awards is a testament to Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s impact on the educational landscape in Malaysia, pioneering purpose-driven education. We put our community of students, staff, and alumni at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to continue to push the University to greater heights.
As the Chairman of the Vice-Chancellors' Council for Private Universities (VCCPU), Professor Al-Atabi also shared his insights as a panellist in the session titled 'Vice-Chancellor Roundtable: Higher Education Post GE15'.
The National Education & Learning Summit, held annually, brings together seasoned educators for a day-long series of discussions, where they engage in debates about the current state of education in Malaysia. With a diverse range of issues and topics concerning education impacting every individual, from the young to the elderly, the Summit acts as an inclusive platform. It fosters collaboration among educators, service providers, policymakers, and experts, all driven by a shared commitment to enact positive transformations in Malaysia's education system.
The carefully curated topics for this year's Summit focused on preparing Malaysia for the future of education in a rapidly evolving digital world and a highly competitive environment. The sessions explored the country's readiness to embrace an education ecosystem that adapts to these changes effectively. The insights gained from these discussions are expected to play a pivotal role in formulating strategies to cultivate a skilled and adaptable workforce, in line with the demands of Industry 4.0.
The National Education & Learning Summit 2023 was attended by Yang Berhormat Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak; Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President, KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific; Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, Deputy Chairman of KSI Strategic Institute of Asia Pacific; Ms Lau Wai Cheng, Deputy President, National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI); and Professor Dr Maszlee Malik, Former Minister of Education Malaysia, and Chairman of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia (IAIS).
With its commitment to excellence and innovation, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia continues to make significant strides in shaping the future of Malaysia's educational landscape. The University is poised to lead the way in producing future-ready graduates, ensuring it remains at the forefront of purpose-driven education.