Wong (centre) shows Zahid (right) around UCTS campus. Sabarudin is on the left.
SIBU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday challenged University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS)’s professors and graduates to become world-class scientists.
“I am very impressed with this university. What more (to say), this university is awarded platinum (rated green building index (GBI) campus)–the best in the world.
“I would like to urge you to have first-class mentality, first-class attitude, and first-class in terms of contribution,” he said during his visit to UCTS here yesterday.
Present were Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also UCTS board of management chairman, Deputy Home Ministers Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and Masir Kujat, Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong.
UCTS deputy vice-chancellor (academic) Professor Dato Dr Sabarudin Mohd gave a briefing on the university.
Zahid said it was timely that the university was emphasising on technology as the government was stressing on the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
He hoped that with TVET and other forms of education, the country would continue to grow in the fields of technology and science.
He also stressed on the importance of lifelong learning, adding that learning should not stop.
Towards this end, he said having first-class facilities was inconsequential if not reinforced with first-class mentality.
Citing as an example, he said South Korea was previously learning from Malaysia, but it is now ahead and their products had become world class.
“Here we are struggling and entertaining our differences. So much politicking.”
Hence, he urged the people to do away with all differences and petty issues as the country had to be at the forefront in all fields.
Zahid said it was for people to find what they had in common, rather than differences.