Kuala lumpur: Institutions of higher learning (IPTs) must uphold integrity as a core value to reinforce their role in developing accountable public servants, said Public Service Department director-general (KPPA) Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that IPTs serve not just as centers of learning, but also as a foundation for cultivating leadership and ethical values among graduates.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Ahmad Dahlan highlighted that university administrators carry significant responsibilities in managing human resources, finances, assets, and other critical resources, and it is in these areas that integrity and accountability are truly tested. His remarks were made during the National Governance Lecture Programme titled "Membudaya Integriti dan Akauntabiliti Dalam Tadbir Urus Awam Malaysia dari Perspektif Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam (KPPA)" (Cultivating Integrity and Accountability in Malaysian Public Governance from the Perspective of the Public Service Director-General) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM).

Wan Ahmad Dahlan also underscored the role of lecturers as character builders and value-driven agents of change, serving as exemplars in teaching, research, and administration. He advised students to cultivate a culture of integrity and accountability, which are key criteria for employers, especially for those aiming to join the public sector.

He cautioned students against taking shortcuts in their studies and urged them to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly while maintaining transparency and accountability. He noted that many students today rely heavily on tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Gemini, which can be beneficial when used correctly but become detrimental if they foster complete dependence without personal effort.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan further added that academics' continued research supports a public service that is ethical, accountable, dynamic, efficient, and effective.