By Asmahanim Amir
Pic Abd Raai Osman

BANGI– International academic staff working at The National University of Malaysia (UKM) need to stay relevant, referred and respected to help the university be more distinguished.

 “You have to be relevant regardless of your field of specialisation, be it engineering, medicine, economics and business, social sciences or law,” said UKM Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali at a High Tea organised for UKM International Staff, here, last January.

He also reminded the international staff to be prepared to be referred to when the stake-holders request for assistance in solving issues and problems as UKM experts are always seen as being relevant to the industry.

He added that they will gain respect by sharing their expert views and opinion as they are knowledgeable, well informed and credible.

The Vice-Chancellor also expressed hope that the International staff would further contribute to boost the university’s scholarly reputation.

He urged them to motivate and challenge their students to go the extra mile, adding that the lecturers and researchers would know best about how to inspire their charges in whatever way possible.