Perlis: Perlis now has the opportunity to play a larger role in shaping an educational landscape that is not only based on knowledge and technology but also guided by sustainability as well as connectivity with the world.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail stated that this development demonstrates how higher education in Perlis can transcend geographical boundaries. This effort aims to produce graduates who can meet industry needs and build a generation that understands global challenges related to sustainable development, the environment, the economy, and community well-being.
"Sustainability is now increasingly becoming part of the measure of success for a higher education institution (IPT), not only in terms of environmentally friendly campus management but also through the university's contributions to community development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)," he remarked.
He highlighted that Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) serves as an example of this potential, as it ranks among the top 201 to 300 universities globally in The Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026. This statement was made at the launch of 'Majlis Pelancaran Promosi Masakan Perlis' at Kampung Melayu Restaurant, in conjunction with UniMAP's International Leadership Mobility (ILM) programme.
Accompanying the Raja Muda were the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil, Pro Chancellor 1 of UniMAP, and their daughters, Hajah Sharifah Khatreena Nuraniah Jamalullail, Pro Chancellor 2 of UniMAP, and Hajah Sharifah Farah Adriana Jamalullail.
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra emphasized that the strength of IPTs today is measured by their social, economic, and environmental impact, beyond just academic and technological excellence. He noted that internationalisation is crucial in ensuring students' educational experiences extend beyond local perspectives.
Cross-border collaboration is facilitated through student mobility, joint research, academic programmes, and networks with foreign institutions. This opens opportunities for students to interact with diverse cultures and learning approaches at a global level.
"The sustainability agenda can serve as a bridge between the strengths of technical education and the needs of human and environmental development," he stated.
He also stressed that technology and innovation from IPTs should translate into solutions that benefit society, industry, and the environment, aligning with responsible development demands.
The ILM programme, led by Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra, is an annual initiative aimed at strengthening regional education, expanding technical research, and fostering student leadership through visits to foreign universities and major industries.
Accompanying the ILM delegation is UniMAP deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir Ts Dr Shahriman Abu Bakar.