17/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 17, 2026

12

EDUCATION NEWS

HELP University explores collaboration in governance, integrity

Soka International School Malaysia student representatives at a convention.

Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association, and veteran media practitioner Mohamad Letfee Ahmad, a former news head at Bernama TV and Bernama Radio. Their session, titled “Can AI Make Us More Human?”, explored the opportunities and ethical challenges posed by AI in media and digital communication. Students from various programmes, including Mass Communication, English and Public Relations, Business Management and Information Technology, participated. KUALA LUMPUR : As Malaysia continues to strengthen its governance and anti corruption frameworks, collaborations between academia and national institutions play an important role in developing talent, advancing research and building professional capacity in the fields of integrity and economic crime prevention. In light of this, the Institute of Crime and Criminology (ICC) at HELP University recently conducted a visit to two agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department to explore potential areas of collaboration in advancing governance, integrity and leadership development. The engagement with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy (MACA) and the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) provided an opportunity for ICC representatives to hold constructive discussions with officials from both institutions. The ICC is keen on pursuing initiatives aimed at strengthening professional training and knowledge-sharing in areas related to integrity, anti-corruption practices and organisational governance. Key areas discussed included potential collaborations in governance and leadership training programmes, development of micro-credential initiatives, and organising of conferences and knowledge-sharing platforms focused on promoting ethical leadership and integrity. The discussions also highlighted opportunities to promote HELP University’s Master of Science in Economic Crime Management, as well as the Asia-Pacific Executive Qualifications (APEQ) programmes. These programmes aim to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex challenges related to economic crime, governance and compliance. Through ICC, HELP University supports the development of thought leadership, industry engagement and professional education in related areas. The engagement with MACA and IIM reflects the University’s commitment to foster partnerships that contribute to a stronger culture of integrity and accountability across institutions. Such collaborations also open opportunities for joint knowledge exchange, executive education and specialised training programmes that benefit both professionals and organisations seeking to strengthen governance practices.

Redefining the meaning of an international school

o SISM aims to nurture genuine global citizens.

IN AN increasingly interconnected world, education is no longer defined solely by academic achievement. Today’s learners navigate cultural diversity, global mobility, shared challenges, and rapid technological change. Schools must therefore do more than prepare students for examinations; they must equip young people with the mindset, values and skills to engage meaningfully with the world. This shift is reflected globally, and Malaysia is no exception. The recently launched National Education Development Plan 2026–2035 ( Rancangan Pendidikan Negara 2026–2035 ) outlines a strategic roadmap to strengthen the nation’s education ecosystem from early childhood through higher education. Central to the plan is a human-centred approach, emphasising academic quality alongside character development, emotional and social well-being, inclusivity and resilience. As Malaysia positions itself as a regional education hub, supported by international student mobility, expatriate communities and initiatives such as Malaysia My Second Home, the role of education in shaping global citizens has never been more relevant. International education today goes beyond being a pathway to overseas universities. Curricula delivered in local contexts offer students global exposure while grounding them in local values and community life. Exposure to diverse cultures, languages and viewpoints within school environments mirrors real-world global interactions. Students learn not only from textbooks but also through collaboration across cultures, navigating differences with empathy, and communicating with confidence. These competencies are becoming as

SISM students participating in an arts workshop. PICS COURTESY OF SISM.

effective communication, cultural awareness, and empathy. Inclusivity is also key, with financial aid and scholarships helping to ensure diverse learning environments that reflect real world global societies. As Malaysia strengthens its education landscape, the concept of global citizenship remains central. Education that balances academic rigour with values, character development, cultural understanding and human connection prepares young people not just for careers, but also for life in an interconnected world. Through holistic approaches, a humanistic philosophy, intercultural engagement and values-driven learning, schools like SISM illustrate how education can move beyond borders, nurturing learners who are prepared to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to their communities, their nations and the wider global society. SISM offers the Cambridge Curriculum for lower and upper secondary levels from Years 7 to 11 leading to International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A Level) qualifications. For further details visit sism.edu.my .

essential as academic knowledge in preparing students for future pathways. Across the education sector, there is growing recognition that global citizenship cannot be taught only in theory; it must be experienced and lived. One example is Soka International School Malaysia (SISM), where students participate in cultural exchanges, engage in community service with local communities, and take on active roles as guides, communicators, and cultural ambassadors. Through interactions across languages and cultures, they develop compassion, confidence, adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Such experiences reflect a values-driven approach to education that emphasises respect, appreciation of diversity, reinforcing the idea that global citizenship is defined not by geography, but by mindset and behaviour. Educators with international exposure play a critical role in guiding students to navigate complexity, think critically and lead with empathy. As students consider future pathways, whether locally or abroad, schools are increasingly focused on developing essential global competencies such as adaptability,

Ethical AI through student-led ‘kAIndness’ campaign at SEGi PETALING JAYA: SEGi University recently launched a student-led campaign titled “kAIndness – Less Artificial, More Intelligence” aimed at promoting ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in communication. The event, organised by the School of Communication and Creative Design (SoCCD) at SEGi University Kota Damansara, attracted more than 200 students from several faculties and academic programmes. milestone that reflects the spirit of innovation, creativity and responsible communication promoted by the school. “AI is shaping the future of communication and society. The school aims to nurture communicators who are not only technologically skilled, but also guided by empathy and ethical awareness in the digital age,” he said. Also present was Student Experience and Alumni director Stephen Sesaiah. Senior lecturer Siti Norlida Roslan who is also the project advisor, explained that the programme aims to leverage AI to support communication and emotional expression while educating students about responsible and ethical digital practices. The campaign was led by a group of students known as the “kAInders” who organised some pre-event activities such as interactive games, social media engagements and fundraising initiatives. The event also featured talks by invited speakers, including Siraj Jalil, president of the In his opening speech, SoCCD head Amir Heidi Askomi described the campaign as a

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