By Murniati Abu Karim
Photo Izwan Azman and Shahiddan Saidi

BANGI, 8 June 2022 – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) created a platform for academics and business to spark conversation and connection among the community through “Tunku Zain Lecture Series (TZLS): Unplugged 2022”.

The first in its series, TZLS: Unplugged 2022 was inspired by Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz who takes centre stage at the start of the ceremony with a lovely piano rendition of Varsiti Kita.

He later presented his inaugural speech titled “Capturing Opportunities for National Renewal” which focused on the tremendous underlying opportunities that exist in this uncertain new era, post-pandemic, and what Malaysia needs to do to move forward in its pursuit of renewal, success, and prosperity.

Profesor Dr. Mohammad Kassim, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), said that this programme allows academics and business leaders to discuss innovative and sustainable solutions as well as unravel the future’s increasingly complex problems and challenges.

“This is consistent with one of the strategic priorities for improving the quality and performance of higher education in the country, which is to strengthen the network of strategic collaboration through collaboration with industry through various initiatives,” he said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Industry, Alumni and Community Partnerships, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Norazah Mohd Nordin who is also Chairman TZLS: Unplugged 2022 said that this lecture series is fresh take on a regular talk series.

“The concept for this programme is more casual as compared to other lecture programmes.We have incorporated entertainment elements in between the sessions so that the audience can have a good time while participating in a highly engaging educational environment,” she continued.

Co-organised by UKM-Graduate School of Business, the lecture has garnered support from industry partners such as Pharmaniaga Berhad, WCT Holdings Berhad, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, Hyrax Oil Sdn. Bhd, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Berhad, USAINS Holdings, Les Copaque Production, UCSI Group Holdings, Sunway Education Group, (Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and more.