A call for intellectual civility

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RECENT conversations surrounding Universiti Malaya (UM) have sparked a crucial dialogue about the essence of university education. This moment presents Malaysian higher education institutions with an opportunity to lead a global renaissance with intellectual civility as the cornerstone of academic excellence.

As someone who has spent three decades within global academia, and as I examine the latest strategic blueprints from leading education nations – Australia’s Universities Accord, Germany’s Excellence Strategy and the UK’s Higher Education Reform – a striking omission becomes apparent. While comprehensive in addressing technological advancement, these “Western” frameworks remain silent on intellectual character formation.