Character and competence equally vital for graduates, says Perlis ruler

KANGAR — Graduates of Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UniSIRAJ) have been reminded that intellectual achievement alone is insufficient for meaningful success in their careers and personal lives. Speaking at the university's graduation ceremony, the Perlis Raja Muda stressed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards alongside academic accomplishment, noting that graduates must demonstrate reliability and integrity in all their professional endeavours. The message underscores growing concerns among Malaysian educational institutions and employers about the need for workforce members who possess not only technical skills but also strong moral character. UniSIRAJ, an Islamic international university, has long positioned itself as an institution committed to nurturing graduates who embody both knowledge and virtue. The address reflects broader initiatives across Malaysia's higher education sector to emphasise values-based learning alongside conventional academic disciplines, recognising that professional competence without ethical grounding can undermine organisational credibility and public trust. Graduates were encouraged to view their qualifications as a responsibility to serve society with honesty and accountability throughout their careers.