Shaping the future of education at MARA’s 60th anniversary academic forum
From left to right: Dr Mohd Hafizi bin Shamsudin, Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, Datuk Prof Ulung Dr Harith Ahmad, and Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman
Monash University Malaysia leaders participated in the Forum Pendidikan (Education Forum) MARA 60 held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), contributing to national conversations on the future of education and global competitiveness.
The opening session, “Forum Ulung MARA 60: Menjunjung Amanah Ke Arah 100 Tahun MARA”, was moderated by Dr Mohd Hafizi bin Shamsudin, Dean of UniKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology. Panellists included Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, Chairman of MARA, and 2010 Merdeka Award Recipient Datuk Prof Ulung Dr Harith Ahmad.
During the session, Professor Adeeba reflected on MARA’s legacy in advancing inclusive education and creating pathways for underserved communities. “MARA has been one of Malaysia’s success stories. From the perspective of social mobility and talent development, that is something we must continue to protect,” she said.
Professor Adeeba also noted that education systems can no longer adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, particularly as Malaysia moves into a more technologically driven future. “It cannot just be about technical knowledge. In the age of AI, we must hold on to what makes us human. Empathy, critical thinking and compassion,” she said.
The session also highlighted the importance of early childhood education, particularly the first 2,000 days of life, which Professor Adeeba described as critical for cognitive development and long-term wellbeing. Another key topic raised was the importance of alumni engagement and mentorship. Professor Adeeba encouraged MARA to explore structured mentorship and sponsorship programs connecting alumni with current students to cultivate leadership and a stronger culture of giving back.
During a conversation about internationalisation and mobility opportunities in education, Professor Adeeba highlighted Monash University Malaysia’s modern Australian curriculum and pathway opportunities: “Monash University Malaysia is local and global. Our pedagogy is a modern Australian curriculum, and we welcome more students to study at Monash University Malaysia, with the ability to go to Australia for one semester, one year or two years.”
Professor Adeeba being part of the panel discussion during the “Forum Ulung MARA 60: Menjunjung Amanah Ke Arah 100 Tahun MARA” session
Following the morning networking session and Women in TVET segment, the program continued with “Forum Pendidikan MARA 60 – Globalisasi: Mengukuhkan Jejak MARA di Pentas Dunia”, moderated by Professor Dr Kushsairy bin Abdul Kadir, Deputy President (Academic & Technology) of Universiti Kuala Lumpur.
The panel featured Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan, Vice-President (Research & Development) of Monash University Malaysia, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan bin Muhamed, Group CEO of Uzma Berhad, Dr Ahmad Syahid bin Ahmad Fawzal, Senior CFD Engineer at Koch Technology UK, and Leia Mayssa binti Masyerin, a current student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
From left to right: Professor Dr Kushsairy bin Abdul Kadir, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan bin Muhamed, and Professor Dato’ Dr Ir Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan
During the session, Professor Rafiq reflected on MARA’s ecosystem and its role in shaping globally competitive graduates. He stressed that educational aspirations alone are not enough without strong implementation at every level: “It has to be implemented by people on the ground.”
He further emphasised that education must remain closely tied to national development. “The nation-building narrative, that is, we cannot forget that what we do is part of nation-building,” he said. The forum also explored the importance of social mobility and the need for tailored educational pathways to address the needs of different student groups. “There is a need for social mobility to uplift someone in a moderately social economy to a higher level,” said Professor Rafiq.
When discussing the challenges graduates face in competing internationally, Professor Rafiq encouraged students to embrace growth and continuous learning. “For people who are still studying, you are allowed to make mistakes, so use whatever opportunity to pivot and improve yourself. An opportunity to rebrand yourself,” he said.
Professor Rafiq being part of the panel discussion during the “Forum Pendidikan MARA 60 – Globalisasi: Mengukuhkan Jejak MARA di Pentas Dunia” session
The university’s participation in the forum reinforced its commitment to contributing to national conversations on education and talent development.