EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, NORTH SUMATERA – University Muhammadiyah Malaysia (UMAM) has appointed the Crown Prince of Perlis, His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Sirajudin Jamalullail, as UMAM’s first chancellor. The appointment ceremony was held at Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatera (UMSU) on Monday (14/9).
Abdul Mu’ti, secretary-general of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, also attended the ceremony. He emphasized that the occasion was more than a formal appointment. It also marked a strengthening of strategic ties between Indonesia and Malaysia.
The strengthened relationship will extend to higher education, reflecting Muhammadiyah commitment to developing high-quality and sustainable human resources.
“The most important question for a university is not simply how great we want it to become, but what kind of people we want to produce. This is the question that must remain at the heart of UMAM’s journey,” Mu’ti said.
Mu’ti, who also serves as Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, highlighted the accelerating pace of technological and social change.
He said rapid technological advances must be met by developing people with intelligence, wisdom, and a strong sense of leadership grounded in integrity.
“Therefore, UMAM must not merely pursue capability. UMAM must give meaning to progress,” Mu’ti said.
A Regional Vision for UMAM
Meanwhile, Crown Prince of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajudin Jamalullail reaffirmed his commitment to serving as UMAM’s first chancellor.
In his new role, he said UMAM could advance further by strengthening research relevant to the current needs. He also identified international relations and strategic partnerships with Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Universities and higher education institutions around the world, particularly across ASEAN, as key priorities for strengthening UMAM.
“UMAM has significant room to strengthen its role in the higher education agenda in ASEAN. Academic excellence must also go hand in hand with character, critical thinking, intellectual maturity, and a commitment to serving the Muslim community and society,” Sirajudin said. (Bhisma)
