Alor setar: The importance of tertiary education must be emphasised in schools, with tailored support and mentoring for male students and gender-inclusive guidance to broaden study and career choices, as essential steps to achieve a more balanced representation in the education system. The Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin, highlighted this issue during his speech at the second session of the 38th Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Mu’adzam Shah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah pointed out that women constituted 59 percent of total university enrolment in Malaysia last year. The imbalance was even more pronounced at UUM, where 70 percent of the student population was female, leaving only 30 percent male. He stated that while the increase in women’s participation in higher education is notable, the significant underrepresentation of men requires targeted interventions.
In his address, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah, who also serves as UUM Pro-Chancellor, emphasized that success extends beyond academic achievements and is characterized by the principles graduates uphold in their professional and personal lives. He urged graduates to prepare for the challenges of the workforce and new responsibilities, reminding them that while their academic knowledge provides a foundation, the skills and values they cultivate will define their future paths.
He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, describing it as an invaluable asset. He advised graduates to resist the temptation of shortcuts and to remain true to their values, emphasizing that a trustworthy reputation, built over time, can be quickly damaged if not protected.
Furthermore, the Raja Muda encouraged graduates to pursue lifelong learning and to contribute positively to the university, their families, and society. He called on them to use their knowledge and skills to serve as role models and to engage actively in community and national development.
During the convocation session, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah awarded degrees to 879 graduates, including the inaugural cohorts of three new programmes: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Information Technology with Honours, Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Literature and Creative Industry Management with Honours, and Bachelor of Applied History with Honours. Additionally, he conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communications to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan, who was among those receiving their scrolls in the morning session.