Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (centre) delivering his speech during the 60th Anniversary of the Universiti Malaya Chinese Studies Department Gala Dinner at Dewan Tunku Canselor last night. Also present on stage was Universiti Malaya Alumni Association of the Department of Chinese Studies (Pejati) honorary chairman Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy (second left) and other special guests. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The 60-year milestone achieved by Universiti Malaya's Chinese Studies Department would not have been possible without the support from the university and Chinese community, says the King.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said he was also made to understand how the 60th year was a significant time marker in the Chinese worldview.
"It represents the completion of a complete cycle and a new beginning.
"Achieving this milestone would not have been possible without the firm support and empowerment provided by the management of both the faculty and university," His Majesty said in his Royal Address at the 60th anniversary of Universiti Malaya's Department Chinese Studies Department gala dinner.
The gala dinner was held at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya, on Saturday (Oct 28).
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the gala dinner.
His Majesty also recognised the unwavering support for the department and university from the Chinese community.
"You have sent your best youths to the university, provided scholarships, accepted students as your interns, provided generous research grants for academics and funded various projects of the past six decades.
"Your commitment and dedication have played a pivotal role in complementing the quality education envisioned by our country and the institution," said His Majesty.
His Majesty conveyed how universities played a pivotal role in the future of Malaysia.
"To the staff and lecturers of the department, I believe you will continue to be vigilant in your teaching and research endeavours.
"To the students and alumni of the department, I wish you well in any industry you have chosen to venture into," said His Majesty.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also wished well for the department to continue growing and flourishing.
"May our nation continue to benefit from the wealth and knowledge and cultural understanding it fosters," said His Majesty.
The 60th anniversary of Universiti Malaya's Chinese Studies Department is themed "60 Years of Educational Endeavour, Enhancing and Innovating Cultural Heritage'.
